Refugees Face Homelessness Crisis After Losing Asylum Accommodation: 5,000 Households at Risk in England (2023)
In the last quarter of 2023, over 5,000 refugee households in England were classified as homeless after losing eligibility for Home Office accommodation upon gaining asylum.
This figure is four times higher than the same period in 2022.
The Refugee Council criticized the situation, stating that refugees were being "set up to fail" and needed more time to secure permanent housing.
The Home Office responded by stating their commitment to ensuring refugees received necessary support.
Throughout 2023, local councils in England accepted 9,580 homeless households, an increase from 3,340 in 2022, with most of the rise occurring in the second half of the year.
(Source: The Guardian) The text discusses the issue of homelessness among refugee households.
Asylum seekers may be housed by the Home Office during the assessment of their claim, but if they are recognized as refugees, they must find new accommodation within 28 days and turn to councils for assistance.
Councils have specific rules for determining homelessness or risk thereof and providing aid.
The text discusses the issue of homelessness, which includes people sleeping rough, sofa surfing, and living in unsuitable or insecure accommodation.
The Refugee Council's chief executive, Enver Solomon, expressed that asking people to find a job and housing within 28 days is unrealistic and can lead to destitution and homelessness.