Ellie Ames 07 December 2023

Boroughs have ‘nothing to offer’ as refugee homelessness rises

Boroughs have ‘nothing to offer’ as refugee homelessness rises image
Image: Travers Lewis / Shutterstock.com

New research has found that an increasing number of refugees are rough sleeping in London after leaving Home Office accommodation.

According to analysis by London Councils, 846 refugees and asylum-seekers who had been evicted from Home Office accommodation presented as homeless in October – a 39% increase on September’s figure of 609.

The cross-party group said many boroughs have reported having ‘nothing to offer’ homeless refugees due to a severe shortage of accommodation.

London Councils’ executive member for communities, Grace Williams, said: ‘Boroughs are deeply concerned by the situation, which will only get more dangerous as winter sets in.

‘Those granted asylum need adequate support for settling in the UK, yet too often are forced into sleeping rough on the streets.’

London Councils said the Government should give councils a ‘meaningful period’ to mitigate homelessness risks by extending the move-on period to 56 days, and called for closer co-ordination between the Home Office and local authorities.

It also said the Government should provide funding for severe weather emergency protocol services.

LGOF: Will it work? image

LGOF: Will it work?

Dr Jonathan Carr-West, LGIU, discusses the Local Government Outcomes Framework (LGOF), the latest instalment in the history of local government accountability.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Teaching Assistant - SENSS Ormerod Resource Base

Oxfordshire County Council
£25992 - £28163
About usThe SENSS Ormer... Woodstock
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Caretaker/Cleaner

Ashfield District Council
£13,400 - £13,612 per annum (pay award pending)
Predominantly, you will be working alone, so knowledge of Lone Working is essential. Sutton-In-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Ashfield District Council

Coastal Processes Scientist

North Yorkshire Council
£37,035 to £41,511 per annum
Are you passionate about protecting and enhancing our stunning coastline? Scarborough, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Development Engineer

London Borough of Bexley
£35,967 - £41,268 per annum
Are you ready to play a key role in shaping and safeguarding the future of our highways and public spaces? Bexley (City/Town), London (Greater)
Recuriter: London Borough of Bexley

Lawyer 1 - Litigation

Herefordshire Council
£39,513 - £43,693
We are looking for a fresh thinking and enthusiastic Litigation Lawyer to join our dedicated and friendly Litigation Team within Legal Services. Hereford, Herefordshire
Recuriter: Herefordshire Council
Linkedin Banner