Local government body says longer move-on period is best way to reduce pressures on councils
A new survey conducted by the Local Government Association (LGA) has highlighted that councils in England, Scotland, and Wales are under increasing pressure due to the short time allowed for newly recognised refugees to leave asylum accommodation. Importantly, the LGA is now calling for the extension of the current 28-day 'move-on' period to 56 days, aligning it with the Homelessness Reduction Act.
Image credit: UK GovernmentYou can download the LGA's 34-page report about the survey's findings here.
The LGA's survey ran from August 2023 to March 2024 and received responses from 92 councils, which represents around a quarter of councils in England, Scotland and Wales. Councils were asked how they had been impacted by the cessation of central government support for asylum seekers who had received a positive or negative asylum decision.
Responses to the survey revealed that 90% of councils report financial strain and additional staff pressures as a result of the current system for ending support. Nearly 90% of council respondents also said that the abrupt cessation of central government support has contributed to a rise in homelessness, with three-fifths indicating an increase in street homelessness.
At present, asylum seekers are given just 28 days to move on from their Home Office-funded accommodation after being granted refugees status and receiving their Biometric Residence Permit (BRP).
With the Home Office significantly increasing the number of asylum decisions being made to reduce the backlog, councils have seen increased demand for housing and support services. In response, 84% of councils surveyed by the LGA identified extending the move-on period to 56 days as the most effective way to reduce financial and operational pressures. This extension would provide newly recognised refugees more time to secure accommodation and access services, potentially reducing homelessness and destitution.
Additionally, councils emphasised the need for further financial support. Funding for immediate move-on support, such as the first month's rent for refugees securing housing, and early intervention for asylum seekers awaiting a decision, were other key measures highlighted by the survey.
The LGA is urging the government to use the survey's findings to shape future asylum policies and to develop a more place-based approach that minimises homelessness and allows refugees to integrate more smoothly into their new communities.
Louise Gittins, the Chair of the LGA, said: "The approach of withdrawing support so abruptly as part of the current move-on period adds pressure onto already stretched council budgets and services. We need greater recognition from central government of the crucial role councils play in supporting effective move on processes. Councils are the experts in their communities and know what steps can be taken to minimise the impact on asylum seekers, local people, and council resources. Increasing the move-on time to 56 days would bring this into line with best practice around supporting other vulnerable people find homes and reduce, risks of homelessness and destitution locally."