Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

People Granted Asylum: Government Support

26 March 2024 · 2 other contributors · 4,316 words

Opened by Tim Farron Lib Dem Westmorland and Lonsdale

Responding minister: Michael Tomlinson

Asylum & RefugeesHousing

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Tim Farron raised concerns about people granted asylum: government support in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • The hon. Member Tim Farron cites data showing a 223% rise in street homelessness among refugees in Manchester since August last year.
  • Farron requests the Minister to review extending the refugee move-on period to 56 days and to confirm the calculation method.
  • The Minister Michael Tomlinson stresses the need to crack down on illegal migration to maintain public trust in the asylum system.

Key requests to Government

Farron asks the Minister to review whether the refugee move-on period should be extended to 56 days and confirm that it will continue to be calculated from the issuing of the biometric residence permit. He also requests a review of local impacts of asylum backlog clearance, best practices for accessing private rented accommodation, and face-to-face support during the move-on period.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Tim Farron Lib Dem Westmorland and Lonsdale

The hon. Member Tim Farron is concerned about the increase in homelessness among refugees who have been granted asylum status. He cites data from Manchester showing a 223% rise in street homelessness, with British Red Cross figures indicating a 202% increase in destitution cases and a 205% surge in support needs for clients experiencing destitution since August last year. Farron also mentions that local authorities face difficulties due to the Home Office's policy changes, leading to increased costs and hardships.

Other contributors (2)
  • Afzal Khan Lab Manchester Rusholme

    Highlights a 575% increase in homelessness cases due to eviction from Serco accommodation since April 2023, stressing the need for more funding and support from the Home Office for local authorities. The difficulty is the lack of proper co-ordination when people are granted asylum and then move, with a more than 500% increase in Manchester, making it harder for local authorities dealing with housing shortages.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Commends the hon. Gentleman for bringing forward a debate on asylum support, urging aid and support for those granted asylum to help them integrate into British communities.

Government Response

Michael Tomlinson

It is a pleasure to serve under the chairmanship of Carolyn Harris and respond to Tim Farron's debate on asylum support. Michael Tomlinson highlighted that the UK remains welcoming and generous, stressing the need to crack down on illegal migration to maintain public trust in the asylum system. He clarified that individuals granted refugee status or humanitarian protection receive comprehensive support beyond the 28-day move-on period, which extends until they secure alternative accommodation or financial assistance. Tomlinson acknowledged concerns about homelessness and housing pressures but noted ongoing collaboration between Departments and local authorities to address these issues effectively. On biometric residence permits (BRPs), he mentioned a dedicated support function aimed at resolving processing delays swiftly. Regarding employment rights for asylum seekers, Tomlinson disagreed with the notion of unrestricted work access due to potential pull factors, emphasizing volunteering as an alternative.

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