Asylum and Immigration
An asylum seeker is someone who comes to the UK, often fleeing
persecution, torture or war, and applies for refugee
status. Until refugee status is granted, such a person remains
an asylum seeker. Asylum seekers often encounter homelessness
and face difficulty in obtaining accommodation.
The council has a statutory responsibility to offer assistance
to asylum seekers under the National Assistance Act of 1948. We
have a duty to provide accommodation and benefits to asylum seekers
whilst they await the outcome of their case with the Home
Office.
However, following changes in the law due to the Immigration and
Asylum Act of 1999, asylum seekers that arrived after April 2000 no
longer have a right to assistance and do not have to be provided
for by the council. Instead, the Home Office provides support
through the National Asylum Support Service
(NASS).
The National Asylum Support Service (NASS) provides support,
accommodation and financial help for asylum seekers whilst their
claim is being considered by the Immigration & Nationality
Directorate (IND). They administer the various benefits
asylum seekers are entitled to and also make provisions for
temporary accommodation.