UK Parliament / Open data

Homelessness among Refugees

Proceeding contribution from Kate Green (Labour) in the House of Commons on Tuesday, 17 July 2018. It occurred during Debate on Homelessness among Refugees.

I am aware of the work of the Northern Ireland Law Centre, which was one of a number of organisations that helpfully briefed me for the debate. As the hon. Gentleman says, that guide is an extremely useful resource.

Although voluntary groups are providing such resources, the system is fundamentally making things harder for refugees. Their first universal credit payment will not be made for more than a month. Although advance payments are available, they cannot be paid until someone has a national insurance number and a bank account, and their availability appears not to be well signposted by either the Home Office or Jobcentre Plus. Meanwhile, local housing allocation rules may not give priority to new refugees, particularly those who move into a new area to be with other members of their community. Those factors are placing refugees at grave risk of homelessness and destitution.

About this proceeding contribution

Reference

645 c56WH 

Session

2017-19

Chamber / Committee

Westminster Hall
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