Consultation: Changes to the Asylum Support System

Proposed changes to asylum support and asylum support appeals

UKBA has issued proposals for changes to asylum support provision which are set out in Part 11 of  the Draft Immigration Bill (the Bill) and a consultation paper entitled ‘Reforming Asylum Support: Effective Support for those with Protection Needs (November 09)’. Part 11 of the Bill contains the powers needed to make these changes.  This part of the bill also includes powers which seek to reduce the rights of individuals to appeal against a decision made by UKBA about their entitlement to support.  UKBA have invited agencies working with asylum seekers to give their views on the proposed changes by the 4^th of February 2010.

 

If brought into law, the changes would have serious implications for individuals who are either in receipt of support or who wish to apply for it.   In relation to support, they are proposing to make several changes, such as removing cash support to families whose asylum claim has been refused and replacing it with a card based payment scheme, or in some cases, full board accommodation.  In many instances they are also proposing to restrict the right of appeal against decisions by UKBA to either refuse or discontinue support.

 

It is important to note that at this stage it is unclear when or whether these changes will happen as the current government has made it clear that they do not expect this Bill to pass into law before the next general election which is due to take place sometime this year. It is also unclear what would happen to the draft Bill if there is a change of government.  A new government could choose to reject the Bill or could adopt some or all of the changes proposed.  Despite this uncertainty ASAP will be responding to the consultation as we are very concerned about several of the changes being proposed.  We will also use this opportunity to highlight the ongoing problems with the current system of support, particularly in relation to the poor quality of decision making surrounding support applications, and the ongoing delays destitute asylums seekers face when they apply for support.

 

ASAP has produced a more detailed briefing on the main changes being proposed. To obtain a copy of the briefing please click here. If you would like to obtain a copy of the consultation document on asylum support or the Draft Immigration Bill it is available on UKBA’s website (click here).

 

If you would like your own comments to be included in ASAP’s response to these proposals please contact Gerry Hickey by telephone or email (Gerry@asaproject.org.uk) by 29^th January 2010.