Will the Home Office Really Cut Asylum Seekers' Hotel Stays in Half?

In a contentious policy shift, the Home Office has announced plans to reduce the number of days that newly granted asylum seekers can stay in government accommodation from 56 days back to 28. This decision has sparked outrage among charities and organisations working in the homelessness and asylum sectors, who argue that a shorter transition period will increase the risk of homelessness among refugees. The government maintains that this change is a temporary measure while it works on improving the overall asylum and immigration system.

Last updated: 23 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• The Home Office plans to reduce the accommodation period for asylum seekers from 56 days to 28 days.
• Charities claim this move will heighten homelessness risks among refugees.
• Exceptions for vulnerable groups, including families and pregnant women, will continue until December.
• Research indicates that a longer transition period has been effective in reducing homelessness.
• The government aims to end the use of asylum hotels by 2029.

Background of the Policy Change

The decision to revert to a 28-day accommodation period follows a temporary extension made in December 2022, when the government doubled the grace period for refugees from 28 to 56 days. This change was prompted by rising homelessness levels among refugees, which had been a growing concern for local authorities and charities. The interim measure was initially intended until June 2025, but recent developments have seen a return to the original timeframe.

Government's Justification and Response

The Home Office has defended its decision, stating that the longer accommodation period was always meant to be temporary. A spokesperson emphasised that the government inherited a "broken asylum and immigration system" and is taking steps to improve it. They also reassured that support would still be available for those transitioning to independent living, particularly for vulnerable individuals such as families, pregnant women, the elderly, and disabled persons, who will continue to receive 56 days of support until December.

Concerns from Charities and Organisations

Charities in the homelessness and asylum sectors have expressed their dismay at the government's decision. For instance, a joint statement from the director of the No Accommodation Network (Naccom) and the chief executive of Homeless Link stated that the reduction in support would increase pressure on local authorities and voluntary services. More than 70% of organisations surveyed by Naccom indicated that the longer accommodation period had effectively reduced the risk of homelessness among refugees.

Impact on Local Authorities

Local authorities are already facing significant challenges in providing adequate support for refugees. The reduction in the accommodation period could lead to more individuals declaring themselves homeless, placing additional strain on local services that are already stretched thin. Many councils and charities have been compelled to rely on pricier options such as hotels and bed and breakfasts due to a lack of available housing.

The Asylum Process and Housing Support

When an individual is granted asylum in the UK, they receive a move-on period to find accommodation before being evicted from government housing. Under the current policy, if they do not secure housing within the stipulated timeframe, they must declare themselves homeless to a local authority. The Homelessness Reduction Act, implemented in 2018, recognised that a minimum of 56 days is typically necessary for individuals to find stable accommodation.

Challenges in Finding Accommodation

The struggles faced by refugees in securing housing are compounded by a shortage of available options. Many councils have reported increasing reliance on temporary accommodation solutions like hotels, which are often more expensive and less stable than long-term housing solutions. Charities argue that extending the accommodation period to 56 days allows refugees sufficient time to establish themselves, find employment, and navigate the complexities of the benefits system, such as Universal Credit.

The Wider Context of Asylum Policy in the UK

As the government seeks to overhaul the asylum system, it has pledged to eliminate the use of asylum hotels by 2029. Despite this commitment, recent figures indicate that the number of asylum seekers housed in hotels has slightly increased since the Labour government took office. This raises questions about the effectiveness of current strategies in managing asylum accommodation and support.

Processing Asylum Claims

There have been reports that the Home Office has improved the speed of processing asylum claims, which may lead to fewer individuals requiring housing support in the long run. However, the rapid processing of applications without adequate support mechanisms risks increasing homelessness rates among newly recognised refugees. Experts warn that the government’s eagerness to clear the backlog may inadvertently overlook the immediate housing needs of these vulnerable individuals.

Conclusion: What Happens Next?

The decision to cut the accommodation period back to 28 days will be reviewed again in December, leaving many concerned about the future for refugees in the UK. As charities and local authorities brace for the potential fallout from this change, the ongoing dialogue about the effectiveness of asylum policies remains crucial. The situation poses a pressing question: how can the government balance the need for efficient processing with the fundamental rights of refugees to stable housing?

As changes unfold, the impact on local services and the wellbeing of refugees will be closely monitored. The challenge remains to ensure that the government’s efforts to reform the asylum system do not come at the expense of human dignity and security. #AsylumSeekers #RefugeeSupport #HomelessnessCrisis

FAQs

What is the new accommodation period for asylum seekers in the UK?

The Home Office has announced that the accommodation period for newly granted asylum seekers will be reduced from 56 days to 28 days, effective from September 2023.

Why was the accommodation period originally extended?

The accommodation period was extended to 56 days in December 2022 due to rising concerns about homelessness among refugees and was seen as a necessary support measure for local authorities.

What exceptions are there to the new accommodation policy?

Families, pregnant women, people over 65, and disabled individuals will continue to receive 56 days of accommodation support until December 2023, when the policy will be reviewed again.

What are the implications of a shorter accommodation period?

A shorter accommodation period may increase the risk of homelessness among refugees, as many may struggle to find stable housing within the reduced timeframe.

How has the government responded to criticisms of the policy change?

The government maintains that the change is a necessary step towards improving the asylum system and has pledged to work with local councils and NGOs to provide necessary support for refugees.