In a bid to address the growing refugee homelessness crisis, the Home Office has announced a temporary pause on asylum seeker evictions over the Christmas period, running from December 23, 2023, to January 2, 2024. The decision follows concerns of mass homelessness, particularly as the government intensifies efforts to clear the legacy backlog, as reported by The Big Issue.
The Big Issue has learned that this move comes after 1,500 refugees found themselves homeless between August and October 2023 upon leaving Home Office accommodation.
The timing of the eviction pause coincides with the harsh winter conditions, prompting London to activate its emergency plan to assist rough sleepers. Additionally, councils, including Islington, have been informed that evictions will be halted for up to three days during periods of extreme cold weather as part of the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP).
Despite the government’s assurances that refugees were receiving adequate time and support to prevent homelessness, concerns persist. Cases slated for support discontinuation from December 23, 2023, to January 2, 2024, will now be extended until January 3, 2023, according to information shared with frontline groups on Thursday, November 30, 2023. This, however, results in a reduction in the minimum time asylum seekers have to find new housing post-eviction, exacerbating the crisis as an increasing number of claims are processed, leading to more evictions.
Councils, grappling with the surge in refugees seeking support, have voiced frustration over the lack of additional funding to address the pressing issue. Islington Council’s executive member for equalities, culture, and inclusion, councillor Roulin Khondoker, expressed relief over the temporary eviction pause during extreme cold weather and the festive season. However, he emphasized the need for the Home Office to take further measures to avert a looming rough sleeping crisis stemming from the current policy around asylum accommodation evictions.
Enver Solomon, CEO of the Refugee Council, acknowledges the positive step of temporarily halting evictions but stresses its insufficiency. He highlights the challenges faced by refugees forced out of accommodation on short notice, leading to potential destitution and homelessness. Solomon advocates for an extended timeframe for refugees to settle and access appropriate support, ensuring a dignified start in their new communities.
The Northwest Strategic Migration Partnership, a regional government collaboration addressing migration issues, formally requested the eviction pause from the Home Office. This move underscores the collaborative efforts required to navigate the complexities of the refugee crisis and the importance of addressing it with comprehensive and sustainable solutions.
While the temporary pause in asylum seeker evictions over Christmas is a positive step, it is clear that further measures and increased support are essential to prevent a deepening homelessness crisis among refugees. The call for extended timelines and adequate support resonates as a critical aspect of creating a more compassionate and effective asylum system.
