Asylum Claims Backlog

Home Department – in the House of Commons at on 29 July 2024.

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Photo of Laura Kyrke-Smith Laura Kyrke-Smith Labour, Aylesbury

What steps her Department is taking to clear the asylum backlog.

Photo of Vikki Slade Vikki Slade Liberal Democrat, Mid Dorset and North Poole

What steps she is taking to tackle the asylum backlog.

Photo of Angela Eagle Angela Eagle The Minister of State, Home Department

After 14 years of Conservative chaos, we inherited an asylum system that not only does not work but costs billions of pounds. We are determined to restore order to the asylum system so that it operates swiftly, firmly and fairly. Additional caseworkers will be used to clear the backlog of claims and appeals while properly enforcing the rules and ensuring that those with no right to be here are swiftly removed.

Photo of Laura Kyrke-Smith Laura Kyrke-Smith Labour, Aylesbury

I appreciate the efforts that my hon. Friend has outlined. As the backlog is cleared, what steps will the Home Secretary take to ensure that newly recognised refugees do not face homelessness and destitution in the weeks after being granted status? Specifically, will she consider extending the move-on period to 56 days, in line with the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017?

Photo of Angela Eagle Angela Eagle The Minister of State, Home Department

The Government are aware of the need for a smooth transition between asylum accommodation and other accommodation for those asylum seekers who are granted leave to remain. We understand this issue, and we are considering it.

Photo of Vikki Slade Vikki Slade Liberal Democrat, Mid Dorset and North Poole

According to a 2022 YouGov poll, 81% of people support a right of asylum seekers to work. Currently, successful asylum seekers have little choice but to present to their local authority as homeless, as they have no way of saving for a deposit or proving an income to a potential landlord. Some councils, such as Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole council, of which I was formerly leader, have joined the “lift the ban” coalition in supporting people’s right to work after six months.

I accept that the Minister has talked about speeding things up, but two thirds of asylum seeker claims are currently taking more than six months, so it will take some time to do that. A right to work would reduce the homelessness burden on councils and improve the mental health of asylum seekers, helping them to integrate with the host authority and filling vacancies in our economy. Will the Minister work with Refugee Action to consider that?

Photo of Angela Eagle Angela Eagle The Minister of State, Home Department

No, the answer is to speed up the asylum system so that we can get proper results much faster, and swiftly remove those who do not have a right to be here, while ensuring that those who do can be integrated and begin to work.