The UK government must reconsider its position on people with no
recourse to public funds (NRPF) according to Housing Minister
.
The move follows a letter from Minister for Immigration
Compliance which again
stated that there were no plans for the Home Office to suspend
its approach to those with NRPF, despite the ongoing public
health emergency.
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. The Scottish Government and its third sector
partners have repeatedly called for the UK government to lift
these restrictions during the pandemic to enable everyone in
our society to be treated fairly and equitably.
Mr Stewart said:
“The Scottish Government is determined for our most vulnerable
citizens not to be abandoned 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 harming 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 they can protect
themselves and others during the COVID-19 crisis.
“As a result, many people restricted by the UK Government’s
harmful approach, who were previously sleeping rough or in
unsuitable night shelters, are now being supported in hotels
and other self-contained accommodation.
“I am therefore appalled at the UK government’s refusal to do
the right thing and immediately lift the restrictions on those
who currently have no recourse to public funds for the duration
of this public health crisis and would again call for them to
act.
“Their unreasonable and heartless restriction also affects
women and children fleeing domestic abuse who have to leave
with little resources or belongings and non EEA nationals who
lost their incomes and found themselves far from their families
and homes as a result of the pandemic.”
