Covid-19 No Recourse to Public Funds 2020-06-08
2020-06-08
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The UK government has not suspended the 'no recourse to public funds' condition during the pandemic, despite concerns raised about its impact on vulnerable migrants.
If she will hold discussions with the Prime Minister on the suspension of the “no recourse to public funds” condition during the covid-19 outbreak; People who have worked and paid taxes for years are being denied support and falling into destitution. Given that the rule disproportionately impacts people in black and minority ethnic communities, will the Home Secretary suspend the rule for the duration of the pandemic?
No, we do not believe it is necessary to suspend the NRPF condition. Local authorities have provided a basic safety net with extra £3.2 billion funding from central Government. Practical support measures apply to those under “no recourse to public funds” conditions.
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Assessment & feedback
The disproportionate impact of the policy on black and minority ethnic communities was not directly addressed.
Emphasizing Existing Financial Provisions For Local Authorities
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
Ministers from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government asked councils to utilise alternative powers and funding to assist people under “no recourse to public funds” conditions.
With Ministers asking local authorities to use alternative powers and funding, will the Home Secretary look again at suspending the “no recourse to public funds” rule, as the Prime Minister suggested?
Discussions across Government departments have been ongoing. The “no recourse to public funds” condition does not apply to rent protections and financial support schemes like the coronavirus job retention scheme and self-employed income support scheme.
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Assessment & feedback
The need for clarity in guidance from Home Office was sidestepped.
Highlighting Resources Allocated By Central Government
Response accuracy
Q3
Direct Answer
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Context
Public Health England highlighted inequalities suffered by black and minority ethnic communities during the pandemic.
Does the Home Secretary accept that the “no recourse to public funds” policy disproportionately affects people from BAME backgrounds? If so, why will she not push for it to be suspended?
Government is looking at various policies affecting all communities without singling out one policy as racially discriminatory. There are many financial protections in place through welfare state and pupil premium for children.
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Assessment & feedback
The characterisation of the NRPF rule as inherently racist was not acknowledged.
Stating That The Policy Is Not Racially Discriminatory
Response accuracy