The Home Office will soon halve asylum move-on time. Consequently, refugees face a tighter deadline. Ministers are reversing a temporary extension. Therefore, the period returns to just 28 days. This change happens from September. Previously, the grace period was 56 days. The government introduced the longer period in December. It aimed to address rising refugee homelessness. Councils and charities supported the extension. They argued it provided crucial stability.
Now, officials call the 56-day period an interim measure. They always planned to reassess it. However, charities are appalled by the reversal. They say the longer period worked effectively. Research from an umbrella group proves this. Over 70% of organizations reported reduced homelessness. The shorter 28-day move-on period creates immense pressure. Local authorities already struggle with demand. Voluntary services are also overstretched.
Therefore, some vulnerable groups will keep the extension. Families and pregnant women are exempt. So are people over 65 and disabled individuals. Their 56-day period continues until December. The government will review the policy again then. The goal remains ending asylum hotel use by 2029. Recent data shows hotel numbers rose slightly. Processing claims faster is a government strategy. This may reduce long-term housing needs.
Moreover, charity leaders strongly condemn the decision. They predict a sharp rise in rough sleeping. Finding housing in 28 days is extremely difficult. The Homelessness Reduction Act acknowledges this. It states 56 days are usually necessary. Universal Credit claims also take time to start. The shorter period jeopardizes refugee stability. They often must declare themselves homeless. Councils then use expensive temporary accommodations.
One shelter boss warned against the change. Speeding up the process increases homelessness. Pushing people from hotels to streets is not a solution. The government inherited a broken system. A spokesperson promised to work with stakeholders. They will provide necessary assistance for refugees. However, charities demand concrete action. They fear the return of the 28-day move-on period will cause a crisis.
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