To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure that all UK residents, regardless of immigration status, are able to access accommodation in order to self-isolate during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Answered on
15 April 2020
We are taking a compassionate and pragmatic approach to an unprecedented situation and we are keeping the situation under review to consider if further measures are needed.
The Government has provided £1.6 billion of additional funding to local authorities to enable them to respond to Covid-19 pressures across all the services they deliver, including stepping up support for the adult social care workforce and for services helping the most vulnerable.
Using the General Power of Competence set out in s.1 Localism Act 2011, local authorities may provide support to a person who is ineligible for assistance due to immigration status.
Additionally, the Home Office has confirmed in light of the pandemic, anyone who would normally cease to be eligible for accommodation because their asylum claim and any appeal has been resolved, is being allowed to remain in their current accommodation for at least the next three months. This applies both to those who have been refused asylum and granted asylum.
All people in asylum accommodation have been provided with guidance and advice on Covid-19 in a language they understand to help them self-isolate, including spotting the symptoms and hygiene guidance.