New research by London Councils shows that refugees end up on the streets after leaving Home Office accommodation.
The number of refugees who faced homelessness after leaving Home Office accommodation was 609 in September, but rose to 846 in October across the 32 London boroughs – an increase of 39%.
This number is anticipated to rise in coming months. The government is working to stay on track with the prime ministers pledge to clear 91,000 initial asylum applications by the end of the year.
With London’s severe weather emergency protocol (SWEP) being triggered last week, boroughs fear that services will not be able to cope.
Last year, accommodation shortages were so extreme that boroughs resilience teams were called in to assist homelessness staff and volunteers across the capital.
Alongside a severe shortage in accommodation, local authorities are suffering from the absence of funding. They have been supporting Asylum seekers in hotels since 2022. As a result, councils are pushed for resources.
London councils have made various calls on the government including addressing SWEP pressures and concerns alongside enhancing rough sleeping prevention grant funding.
Councillor Grace Williams, London Councils Executive Member for Communities said “The government must work more closely with councils in addressing this growing challenge”.
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HeadlineBoroughs lack the resources to support refugee homelessness
Short HeadlineBorough's warn of increasing refugee homelessness
StandfirstBoroughs call on the government to provide more funding as cold weather poses a threat to homeless refugees
New research by London Councils shows that refugees end up on the streets after leaving Home Office accommodation.
The number of refugees who faced homelessness after leaving Home Office accommodation was 609 in September, but rose to 846 in October across the 32 London boroughs – an increase of 39%.
This number is anticipated to rise in coming months. The government is working to stay on track with the prime ministers pledge to clear 91,000 initial asylum applications by the end of the year.
With London’s severe weather emergency protocol (SWEP) being triggered last week, boroughs fear that services will not be able to cope.
Last year, accommodation shortages were so extreme that boroughs resilience teams were called in to assist homelessness staff and volunteers across the capital.
Alongside a severe shortage in accommodation, local authorities are suffering from the absence of funding. They have been supporting Asylum seekers in hotels since 2022. As a result, councils are pushed for resources.
London councils have made various calls on the government including addressing SWEP pressures and concerns alongside enhancing rough sleeping prevention grant funding.
Councillor Grace Williams, London Councils Executive Member for Communities said “The government must work more closely with councils in addressing this growing challenge”.
