Warning of significant rise in new refugees facing homelessness

In the last few weeks at VES we’ve begun to see ‘warning signs’ of newly accepted refugees not being able to access appropriate accommodation once their asylum application has been accepted. We’ve come to understand that these aren’t isolated incidents but are beginning to happen across the country.

‘Usually’, when people are granted asylum, they can present to a local authority for the next step in their accommodation, and they can then access this in good time before having to leave their temporary accommodation (usually hotels at the moment). However, a combination of factors, including acute ongoing housing pressure, and the recent home office policy revision to now grant newly recognised refugees just 7 days to find new accommodation, has left people scrabbling for appointments and accommodation, and in some cases not being able to access new accommodation when leaving the hotels. The number of asylum approvals has recently risen, so more refugees, particularly single males who are not deemed a “priority need”, are facing the prospect of street homelessness and makeshift camps if they cannot make alternative arrangements.

The numbers of these cases are increasing nationwide - and many UK churches and charities are warning of a potentially huge rise in refugee homelessness this winter. Refugee campaigners are calling on the government to extend the move-on period to 56 days (it had previously been 28 days). Such an adjustment would help to provide adequate time to make appointments, secure housing and access essential services. Without some change, the current direction of travel is towards many refugees in Croydon, and elsewhere, becoming homeless.

I’d like the VES team, and indeed Croydon Vineyard Church, to be aware of this situation and to be praying about it. We are currently working to improve our networking and signposting so we can give any students facing this the best support possible. We are also exploring ways we can advocate for newly accepted refugees, particularly in Croydon, who are facing this. If you can be of any help in this please let us know - you can email andy@croydonvineyard.org.uk as a first point of contact.

Articles on the wider London, and UK situation:

“London churches seeing huge rise in newly recognised refugees experiencing homelessness” - https://www.london.anglican.org/articles/london-churches-seeing-huge-rise-in-newly-recognised-refugees-experiencing-homelessness/ 

“Charities warn of refugee homelessness crisis in England this winter” - https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/oct/03/charities-refugee-homelessness-crisis-england-winter-right-remain-home-office-evictions-rough-sleeping 

“Refugees camp outside Berkshire council despite leave to remain” - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-berkshire-66941084