This week, the Home Office announced that it will be ending the 56-day move on pilot for refugees with newly granted status to remain in the UK. People leaving asylum support accommodation will now have 28 days to find somewhere else to live.
Responding to the news, Emma Haddad, Chief Executive of St Mungo’s, said: “Earlier this year we warmly welcomed the Government’s piloting of extending the move on period for newly recognised refugees from 28 to 56 days – and we recently welcomed the extension of that pilot until the end of the year. We are therefore disappointed and concerned by the decision to end the pilot abruptly.
“We know from our work on the frontline of homelessness that newly granted refugees are experiencing homelessness at ever growing rates. The extension of the move on period was a major factor in starting to resolve this issue, providing more time to support people into suitable accommodation and avoiding the need to sleep rough.
“This change of direction from the Government risks increasing the number of people sleeping on the streets, putting even more pressure on a homelessness system that is already struggling to support record numbers of people.
“We hope that the Government will put in place solid steps to mitigate the risks this decision will undoubtedly create and remain committed to working on practical, long-term solutions that help recognised refugees avoid rough sleeping and rebuild their lives.”
