Councils issue plea for more time for people moving on from asylum accommodation
Councils have called for an extension to the 'move-on' period, the time between an asylum seeker receiving a decision on their application and having to leave Home Office funded accommodation.
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The Local Government Association said this would ease the financial impact on local authorities of supporting asylum seekers.
A 'snapshot' survey by the LGA found that 89% of council respondents said that the ending of central government support following ‘move-on’ periods had contributed to a rise in homelessness presentations to their local authority, and around three-fifths of councils said it led to increased street homelessness.
The survey also found that nine in ten councils have been financially impacted by the end of accommodation provision and support from the Government when asylum seekers receive a decision on their applications.
The Home Office has recently sought to expedite applications from certain countries and clear the backlog of people claiming asylum. As a result, councils faced added pressure as more people entered the ‘move-on’ period.
The Government’s financial support ceases at the end of the period, and councils have to step in to fulfil their statutory duties.
The LGA survey revealed a consensus that the most effective way to reduce costs and impacts of the backlog clearance programme would be an “extension to the 28-day move-on timeframe to 56 days in line with the Homelessness Reduction Act”. Some 84% of responding councils highlighted this as the most appropriate action.
Additionally, 72% of councils reported that their asylum costs are either completely or only partially covered by the current asylum dispersal grant.
The LGA called on the Government to utilise the results of the survey to inform the next asylum backlog clearance, which was announced by the Home Secretary in July.
It added that councils want to work with the Government to create a more “place-based asylum system” that minimises homelessness and destitution while assisting recently recognised refugees in transitioning out of asylum accommodation and realising their full potential to contribute to their new communities and the local economy.
Cllr Louise Gittins, Chair of the LGA, said: “The approach of withdrawing support so abruptly as part of the current move-on period adds pressure onto already stretched council budgets and services. We need greater recognition from central government of the crucial role councils play in supporting effective move on processes.
“Councils are the experts in their communities and know what steps can be taken to minimise the impact on asylum seekers, local people, and council resources.
“Increasing the move-on time to 56 days would bring this into line with best practice around supporting other vulnerable people find homes and reduce, risks of homelessness and destitution locally.”
A Government spokesperson said: “We have inherited huge pressures in the asylum system, but we are working to make sure individuals have the support they need following an asylum decision and to help local authorities better plan their assistance with homelessness.
“Support for newly-recognised refugees is available through Migrant Help and their partners, which includes advice on how to access Universal Credit, the labour market and where to get assistance with housing.”
The spokesperson also stressed that claimants are notified as soon as possible when a decision has been made on their case and are informed in the same letter if a decision leads to a discontinuation of financial support.
Harry Rodd
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