Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Indefinite Leave to Remain: Poverty

Monday 9 February 2026 · 2 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

  • The government opened a public consultation to gather views on proposed changes to indefinite leave to remain.
  • The proposed changes to earned settlement may extend the wait for settled status by at least five years for some migrants.
  • The government maintains the principle that migrants entering the UK on economic routes should support their families.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Carla Denyer Green Bristol Central
Immigration Benefits & Welfare
Context

Proposed changes to indefinite leave to remain have sparked concern over their potential impact on poverty.

Question

What assessment has the government made of the potential impact of proposed changes to indefinite leave to remain on the number of people living in poverty?

Answer from Mike Tapp

We understand how important the details of the proposals are to people, and that is precisely why the Government opened a public consultation to gather views on those proposals. Once the consultation closes, we will analyse those responses, which will help to inform the development of the final earned settlement model. We have also committed to publishing the impact assessments for the settlement proposals, as well as the Government's response to the consultation.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific assessment of impact on people living in poverty was not provided.

How: Opened A Public Consultation

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Q2 Carla Denyer Green Bristol Central
Immigration Children & Families
Context

Research by the Institute for Public Policy Research indicates that some 300,000 children living legally in the UK will face a decade of uncertainty under new immigration policies.

Question

Some 300,000 children living legally in the UK will face a decade of limbo under the Government's earned settlement proposals. The wait for settled status is extended by at least five years during which families may face restrictions and increased risks of homelessness and destitution. How does this reconcile with the new child poverty strategy?

Answer from Mike Tapp

When migrants enter the UK on economic routes, it is expected that they will be able to support their families. We are maintaining that principle, and it is right that we look into how we can do so better in response to circumstances. We will continue to ensure that migrant children are considered when we make decisions on requirements for settlement.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific reconciliation with the child poverty strategy was not provided.

How: It Is Right That We Look Into How We Can Do So Better

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