Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Asylum Claims Backlog

Monday 29 July 2024 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Vikki Slade questioned the measures to tackle the asylum backlog and expressed concern over the cost and inefficiency of the inherited system.
  • Laura Kyrke-Smith inquired about preventing homelessness among newly recognized refugees as the backlog is cleared, suggesting an extension of the move-on period to 56 days.
  • Vikki Slade highlighted a 2022 poll showing majority support for asylum seekers' right to work, noting current restrictions prevent proper integration and employment.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Vikki Slade Lib Dem Mid Dorset and North Poole
Asylum & Refugees
Context

The asylum system is facing a significant backlog of claims and appeals, costing billions of pounds.

Question

What steps she is taking to tackle the asylum backlog. After 14 years of Conservative chaos, we inherited an unworkable system that costs billions. I am concerned about the backlog of asylum claims and appeals, which needs addressing to ensure swift, firm, and fair operation.

Answer from Angela Eagle

We inherited an unworkable asylum system that costs billions of pounds. We are determined to restore order so it operates swiftly, firmly and fairly. Additional caseworkers will be used to clear the backlog of claims and appeals while properly enforcing the rules.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not address specifics on how additional caseworkers will operate or timelines for clearing the backlog.

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Q2 Laura Kyrke-Smith Lab Aylesbury
Asylum & Refugees Housing
Context

The Home Office is addressing the backlog of asylum claims, raising concerns about refugees' immediate needs post-status grant.

Question

As the backlog is cleared, what steps will be taken to prevent homelessness and destitution among newly recognised refugees? Will the move-on period be extended to 56 days as per the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017?

Answer from Angela Eagle

We are aware of the need for a smooth transition between asylum accommodation and other accommodation for those granted leave to remain. We understand this issue, but we are considering it.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to extending the move-on period to 56 days.

How: Under Review

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Q3 Vikki Slade Lib Dem Mid Dorset and North Poole
Asylum & Refugees Benefits & Welfare Mental Health
Context

A significant majority support the right for successful asylum seekers to work, which could alleviate homelessness burdens on councils.

Question

According to a 2022 YouGov poll, 81% of people support a right of asylum seekers to work. Currently, successful asylum seekers have no choice but to present as homeless due to inability to save for a deposit or prove an income. Some councils, such as Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole council, support the “lift the ban” coalition. A right to work would reduce homelessness burden on councils and improve mental health of asylum seekers while helping them integrate and fill vacancies in our economy. Will the Minister work with Refugee Action to consider this?

Answer from Angela Eagle

The answer is to speed up the asylum system so that proper results are obtained faster, swiftly removing those without rights and integrating and enabling work for those who do.

Not addressed: Did not address working with Refugee Action or considering a right to work after six months.

How: Change Of Subject

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