Between March and today, more than 15,000 rough sleepers in the UK have been housed in temporary accommodation – hotels or emergency shelters – as a result of a scheme called “Everyone In”, where local councils and authorities provided shelter to rough sleepers. The scheme received £3.2million in central government funding.
Local authorities and charities now fear what is to come for those who were granted this temporary shelter as they call on the government to prevent them from being plunged back into homelessness.
Homeless migrants – many of which have lived and worked in the UK for years – are at risk of rough-sleeping again if the government does not grant them state support. UK immigration policy restricts undocumented individuals (and those with insecure immigration status) from access to financial support.
Ministers recently informed the local authorities that they must ensure all rough sleepers that are being temporarily housed are supported into more stable housing. However, many councils have highlighted flaws in this approach, since many are not eligible to access state support due to their immigration status.
Sixteen London councils and fifteen charities have signed a letter to the Home Secretary to say that restrictions on benefits and housing support make it “almost impossible” to get many rough sleepers into long-term homes. If the British Government are serious about ending rough sleeping, they say, this starts with significant reforms to immigration policy.
Scarsdale Solicitors – Manchester, Rochdale and Oldham
If you need any advice on immigration issues, call the expert team at Scarsdale Solicitors Manchester, Scarsdale Solicitors Oldham and Scarsdale Solicitors Rochdale. If you require the expertise of Rochdale immigration solicitors, Manchester Immigration solicitors and Oldham immigration solicitors, call our professional immigration team today on 0161 660 6050.
