Zoom webinar – Providing accommodation and support to those with an irregular immigration status

Since March 2020 there has been a phenomenal effort by local authorities to help those sleeping rough into accommodation in light of the danger posed by Covid-19. Today there is increasing concern about what to do next.

Last week the Government announced an additional £105 million to support rough sleepers. While very welcome, this helps only those eligible for assistance under the Housing Act 1996. But what of those whose immigration status precludes them from such help? Those who have a NRPF condition on their grant of leave? Those who are excluded from a raft of support by schedule 3 of the Nationality Immigration and Asylum Act 2002? Can local authorities lawfully accommodate and support such people?

Notwithstanding the political pressure for change, the Minister for Housing and Rough Sleeping, has made clear the decision-making responsibility lies with local authorities.

The webinar will help local authorities chart their way through what has all the hallmarks of a politically litigious minefield. By charting where the law currently stands, the webinar will provide a framework for local authority decision making, and guidance for the exercise of judgement under the Care Act 2014, the Localism Act 2011, the Children Act 1989 and the Housing Act 1996.

SLIDES – click here to find a copy of the slides used in this webinar