The Home Office has recently announced a significant policy change aimed at providing refugees with an extended timeframe to secure permanent housing. Starting from December 9, 2023, the grace period for asylum seekers transitioning from government accommodation to their own homes will be increased from 28 days to 56 days. This extension, labeled as “an interim measure,” is slated to remain in effect until June 2025, after which the situation will be reassessed. This decision is aimed at supporting local authorities faced with mounting challenges, particularly as research has shown a worrying surge in homelessness among refugees over the past year.
A deeper examination of the situation reveals that the daily cost of housing asylum seekers in hotels has soared to unprecedented levels. According to reports, in October 2022, the Home Office disclosed that the financial burden for accommodating these individuals in hotels reached £5.6 million daily, and by September of this year, that figure had escalated to £8 million. This spike in expenses has prompted the government to seek alternative approaches to mitigate costs and improve the asylum system’s efficiency.
As part of efforts to streamline the processing of asylum claims, particularly for individuals hailing from countries such as Afghanistan, Eritrea, Libya, Syria, and Yemen, the UK implemented a fast-track system in February 2023. Additional countries like Iran and Iraq were included in this expedited procedure just three months later. However, while the intent behind these changes was to process claims swiftly and reduce reliance on hotel accommodations, many observers believe that the speed of processing has inadvertently contributed to rising levels of refugee homelessness, as evictions from temporary housing have increased.
The situation is further exacerbated by the lack of available housing solutions. Recent data from the government showed a record high of 123,100 households in temporary accommodation by the end of June, which represented a 16% increase compared to the previous year. A survey conducted by the No Accommodation Network highlighted that nearly 2,000 adults who were granted leave to remain found themselves without housing during the current fiscal year, up from just 977 the year before. This alarming trend has led to calls for government intervention to confront what has been termed a “refugee homelessness emergency.”
The Homelessness Reduction Act, enacted in 2018, recognized that individuals typically require at least 56 days to secure permanent housing. Under the previous framework, newly recognized refugees faced a mere 28 days to find accommodation, a timeframe often insufficient given the various barriers they encounter. In the absence of suitable housing, many refugees are compelled to declare themselves homeless to local authorities, particularly when they lack access to government or council support during their transition.
Charities and organizations dedicated to aiding the homeless have noted that the proportion of asylum seekers and refugees within their caseload has significantly increased over the past year, revealing the growing challenges faced by these vulnerable populations. For instance, a leader of a Manchester-based homelessness charity reported that refugees now constitute over 60% of their cases, a stark increase from just 30% previously. The barriers to accessing the private rental market in major cities make it notably difficult for refugees to secure stable housing.
Prominent figures in the charity sector, such as Matt Downie from Crisis and Jo Walby from Mustard Tree, have emphasized the importance of the Home Office’s decision to extend the timeframe for refugees to find housing. They argue that this extension will help prevent further trauma for those who have already fled conflict and persecution, especially as winter approaches. Phil Kerry, who leads New Horizons Youth Centre in London, echoed these sentiments, highlighting that the timing of this policy change is crucial in ensuring that refugees are not left to navigate homelessness during the winter season.
In conclusion, while the Home Office’s recent policy change to extend the grace period for securing housing represents a step in the right direction, significant challenges remain. Local authorities, charities, and the government must collaborate to address the root causes of refugee homelessness and work towards sustainable solutions that allow individuals to rebuild their lives without the threat of eviction hanging over them.
