To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps her Department is taking to support EU, EEA and Swiss citizens that require assistance to apply for settled status.
Answered on
5 November 2019
The EU Settlement Scheme is designed to make it simple and straightforward for EU citizens and their family members to apply to stay in the UK after we leave the EU.
The Home Office has introduced a range of support including grant funding for voluntary and community organisations and assisted digital support. In addition, the EU Settlement Scheme Resolution Centre can provide help and information by telephone and e-mail on the application process.
Up to £9 million of grant funding has been made available to 57 civil society organisations to enable them to mobilise services targeted at vulnerable EU citizens and their families. We believe these organisations have the best net-works and expertise to support the most vulnerable and will help ensure that those who require the most support to apply to the scheme can access it.
The support model offers support to all who need it, not just those receiving support from charities. It is there to provide guidance, reassurance and practical help tailored to individual needs. The range of available support includes providing key information in a range of languages and formats and offering assisted digital support for those who cannot access or are not confident with technology.