Scottish Ministers have demanded that the UK government
suspend their restrictions in order to prevent homelessness
and destitution among people who have No Recourse to Public
Funds (NRPF).
More than £875,000 has been provided by the Scottish
Government and local authorities during the COVID-19 pandemic
to ensure that people with no access to financial support are
kept safe and secure, which Ministers are seeking
compensation for.
NRPF is a condition imposed on someone due to their
immigration status which restricts access to welfare support
including Universal Credit, child benefit, housing benefit,
the Scottish Welfare Fund and a range of allowances and tax
credits.
Ministers have written to UK Immigration Minister on a number of occasions regarding the suspension
of NRPF and recompense for the £600,000 spent in Scotland to
accommodate people and £275,000 spent to support their basic
living costs. A response is yet to be received.
Housing Minister said:
“The Scottish Government is not prepared to abandon some of
the most vulnerable in our society at a time when they need
our help the most.
“The economic impacts of the pandemic are pushing thousands
of people further into poverty and hindering their work
opportunities. However, thanks to a rapid and coordinated
response in Scotland, we have been able to accommodate people
who would otherwise be facing destitution, so that they can
protect themselves and others during the COVID-19 crisis.
“As a result, many of those restricted by the UK Government’s
harmful NRPF policy who were previously sleeping rough or in
unsuitable night shelters, and are now being supported in
hotels and other self-contained accommodation.
“But the Scottish Government, local authorities and third
sector have had to pick up the tab, without additional
support from the UK Government.
“So I am again asking that the UK government do the right
thing and immediately lift the restrictions of NRPF for the
duration of the Coronavirus crisis on public health grounds.
Furthermore, the money spent just to ensure that everyone in
our society is treated fairly and equitably must be
repaid.”
Background
No Recourse to Public Funds is a condition imposed on someone
due to their immigration status. Section 115 Immigration and
Asylum Act 1999 states that a person will have ‘no recourse
to public funds’ if they are ‘subject to immigration
control’. Claiming a public fund when a person's immigration
conditions prohibit this could affect their status and future
immigration applications.
