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The Interior Ministry did not discuss the decision to restart asylum evictions with local authorities, it has been revealed, despite concerns about the immediate impact on the homeless and the increased risks of transmission of the coronavirus.
The councils were not informed about the policy change before it was announced in mid-September, a freedom of information investigation by the online newspaper Independent showed, underscoring that the 26 councils that responded said there had been no inquiries. with the ministers.
The Interior Ministry lifted the ban on asylum evictions, which had been introduced at the beginning of the pandemic, on September 15. The change meant the resumption of evictions of rejected asylum seekers with “immediate effect”, putting thousands of people housed in emergency shelters at sudden risk of being homeless on the street.
Local authorities have criticized ministers for keeping them “in the dark” about the measure, which they warned would result in an increase in homelessness on the street and would increase the spread of the coronavirus in their areas, concerns that were echoed. in a higher court ruling ordering an immediate halt to evictions amid England’s second blockade.
The Hull city council told the same newspaper that it had “great concern about the lack of commitment before the announcement and concern about the potential impact in terms of the affected people becoming destitute and homeless.”
Similarly, Coventry City Council told the Independent that it was concerned about the dearth of support, stating: “As winter approaches and there are restrictions on provision such as Coventry winter night shelter or other shelter accommodation, the city council remains concerned about the implications of this measure and the possibility that these people will be left homeless on the street. “
Appearing to deny the accusation of not working with councils regarding asylum evictions, the Interior Ministry said in a statement that it had “engaged with local authorities about resuming the cessation of support” adding that the department “also he had made a commitment to the national authorities. ” public health clues ”.
A spokesperson added: “Those who have received a negative asylum decision, which means they have no right to stay in the UK, receive a 21 day grace period. During this time, they are expected to take steps to return to their home country while staying in accommodation and receiving support, and we offer assistance to those who choose to do so by actively promoting the Ministry of the Interior’s voluntary return service. “
It follows revelations that the Home Office has been charged with violating a higher court order halting the eviction of asylum seekers in light of England’s second national lockdown that took effect on November 5.
A higher court judge ordered the Home Office to halt the evictions on public health grounds, saying: “I have not been given any reason and I have not been shown any reasoned document that addresses a basis for continuing the evictions in the circumstances. I currently see no justification for continuing evictions in circumstances where the damage and risk cannot be easily reversed. “
The Interior Ministry previously clarified that “there is no court order stopping all cessation of asylum aid, but rather a provisional order to stop decisions on aid to failed asylum seekers,” adding that it has been ordered to contractors who temporarily stop implementing such cases.
