Dan Peters 20 April 2020

Call for lifting of immigration rules

Council leaders in England, Scotland and Wales have called for a temporary lifting of the immigration rules that stop some migrants accessing public funds.

The Local Government Association, Welsh Local Government Association and Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) warned home secretary Priti Patel that existing restrictions made it difficult for people with no recourse to public funds (NRPF) to self-isolate if necessary during the coronavirus pandemic.

They added that they could feel pressured to continue working even if they had symptoms, making it more likely that the virus would spread, and called for people to be allowed to access benefits and public services regardless of their immigration status.

In a letter to Ms Patel about people with NRPF, the three associations wrote: ‘As is the case for so many throughout Britain, the unexpected shock caused by COVID-19 means they now need urgent access to the support that the rest of the population receives.

‘People with NRPF are more likely to be in casual, zero-hours or temporary work so they have neither the safety net of statutory sick pay nor Universal Credit.

‘COVID-19 affects people regardless of their immigration status and we cannot afford to exclude people in our response.’

COSLA said the rules were ‘undermining the response to COVID-19, adding to the complexity and pressure on services and leaving people highly vulnerable during the crisis’.

Community wellbeing spokeswoman for COSLA, Cllr Kelly Parry, added: ‘There is no capacity for the extra complexity the current immigration rules are causing.’

A government spokeswoman said many of the coronavirus measures put in place were not considered public funds and were therefore available to migrants with NRPF.

She added the Government was keeping the situation under review.

Mapping successful 15-minute cities image

Mapping successful 15-minute cities

Is GIS the difference between success and failure for 15-minute neighbourhoods? Alex Zirpolo, principal GIS consultant at Lanpro, argues it is.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Estates Officer - Uttlesford District Council

Essex County Council
Up to £15.0000 per hour
Estates OfficerFull-Time, Temporary*37 Hours per Week£15 per Hour Closing Date
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Financial Accountant

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Negotiable
Help us get the details right - so we can deliver what matters most.As a Financial Accountant, you'll play a key role in keeping our finances sound an England, London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Estates Surveyor

North Yorkshire Council
£37,035 - £45,718 per annum
If you are a member of RICS, looking for you next challenge and have experience as a quantity surveyor, we would love to hear from you! Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Planning Solicitor

Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council
Grade 8, £41,511 up to £45,718 per annum pro rata (Pay award pending)
This role requires the expertise of a seasoned planning lawyer Hinckley, Leicestershire
Recuriter: Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council

Principal Information Governance Officer

Derby City Council
H £36,124 - £38,626 per year
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Information Governance team at Derby City Council. Derby, Derbyshire
Recuriter: Derby City Council
Linkedin Banner