No Recourse to Public Funds

Warned Members that due to limited time, speeches should be kept to about six minutes.

Mr. Timms argues that no recourse to public funds disproportionately affects hard-working, law-abiding families in the UK, especially those with British-born children who have been in the country for over a decade. He cites statistics from Citizens Advice and the Migration Observatory at Oxford University, emphasising the impact on children's welfare and potential societal contribution. Mr. Timms also mentions court decisions that require immigration rule changes to account for disability and child welfare, but these changes are yet to be fully implemented.

Mr. Russell-Moyle supports his colleague's call for change and mentions a legal challenge in Brighton where the local council was forced by court to support individuals with no recourse to public funds during the pandemic. He argues that housing should be treated as a basic right, similar to healthcare, which is exempt from NRPF conditions.

Acknowledges the complexity of the issue, highlights the failure to capture data during Everyone In project, emphasises the need for local authorities to provide care where it is appropriate under section 17 of the Children Act. Discusses the significant cost to London boroughs and calls for measures that support vulnerable people while protecting public funds.

Raises the link between no recourse to public funds and food insecurity, highlights disproportionate use of food banks by asylum seekers. Calls for right to work across the board for asylum seekers, access to universal credit, unemployment support, and child benefit. Advocates for timely decisions on asylum cases and crisis grants.

Pays tribute to the Member for East Ham for securing this debate. Discusses cases in her constituency, such as a hospital porter earning £1,400 per month who could not qualify for housing benefit despite working hard and paying taxes due to his status of no recourse to public funds (NRPF). Highlights that local authorities spent around £53 million on supporting households with NRPF across London boroughs in 2016-17. Asks the Minister to conduct a one-off case resolution exercise, reduce fees for the 10-year route to citizenship, and improve data collection related to biometric residence permits.

Discussed the rise in people with no recourse to public funds in Aberdeen, highlighting the struggle of local authorities and charities in providing support. She emphasised inconsistencies in guidance under section 17 of the Children Act and the impact on domestic abuse victims, advocating for more consistent policy and support for immigrants.

Addressed the historical background of no recourse to public funds and its current impact. She highlighted poverty, destitution, strain on charities and services, lack of awareness among ministers, unknown numbers of affected individuals, food insecurity, and inhumane living conditions. She also criticised the Home Office for ignoring real-life crises.

Congratulated the Backbench Business Committee and highlighted the importance of addressing issues related to people with no recourse to public funds. She mentioned that Croydon is one of the top 10 areas for immigration cases in the Home Office. Sarah emphasised the Labour party's commitment to a well-managed migration system and its recognition of the challenges faced by migrant workers due to Conservative policies. She cited research showing that many parents with no recourse to public funds struggle to afford basic essentials, forcing them into debt or relying on charities and food banks. She also highlighted issues such as inadequate enforcement of minimum wage laws and called for a single labour market enforcement body. Sarah questioned the Government’s commitment to gathering comprehensive data on NRPF restrictions and their impact on families with children.

Congratulated the Backbench Business Committee and raised awareness about the context of NRPF policy, emphasising its importance for maintaining a permissive legal migration system while protecting taxpayers. Discussed existing policies and measures in place to support individuals at risk of destitution during emergencies like the pandemic.

Welcomed the Minister's commitment to provide data on NRPF and highlighted two key recommendations from the Work and Pensions Committee: automatic exemption from NRPF after five years for families with children and payment of child benefit to British citizen children regardless of parents' status.