Refugees
Craig's call for asylum change
Manchester City Council’s leader has urged Whitehall to implement ‘simple changes’ to asylum policy to ease huge pressures on major urban centres.
Ukrainian homelessness likely to rise
The risk of homelessness among Ukrainians in the UK is likely to increase as arrangements with sponsors end or break down, MPs have warned.
Council leaders call for review of Ukrainian refugee scheme
Council leaders have called for an urgent review of funding for Ukrainian refugees as 9,000 have reported as homeless and more need longer-term support.
New legal bid as long-term asylum site plans confirmed
A council has launched a fresh judicial review after Government confirmed its intention to use RAF Scampton to house asylum seekers for another three years.
We need to devise a plan to solve our communities’ housing crisis
District councils need the Government to increase the housing benefit subsidy. Without this, local authorities increasingly cannot afford appropriate housing, says Cllr Sam Chapman-Allen.
Are we heading to a funding train crash?
The District Councils’ Network 'seeks at least a 6% increase in core spending power for districts, including the ability to raise council tax by 5% or £10 – modest asks compared to what other types of council have received in the past or might receive for 2024', says Ian Miller.
Thousands of refugees face homelessness at Christmas, LGA warns
The Government’s push to clear the asylum backlog is putting ‘tens of thousands’ of refugees at risk of homelessness over Christmas, the Local Government Association (LGA) has warned.
DLUHC defends homelessness monitoring
Mandarins have denied they do not have a clear picture of homelessness levels among Ukrainian refugees.
Stop notice at RAF Scampton
West Lindsey DC has again told the Home Office to cease work at RAF Scampton.
EXCLUSIVE: Councils reject refugee housing fund
Tens of millions of pounds of a fund designed to support English councils to obtain housing for those fleeing conflicts has not been taken up, The MJ can reveal.
Glasgow refuses permission for asylum barge
The leader of Glasgow City Council has told the Government that the local authority would not give its consent to dock a barge for asylum seekers in the city.
Optics of Afghan refugee eviction questioned
Councils have questioned the optics of the Government’s decision to serve legal notices on Afghan refugees after they started turn up homeless at town halls.
Home Office hotel use for lone child asylum seekers 'unlawful'
The High Court has found the Home Office’s use of hotels to house lone child asylum seekers to be unlawful.
LGA waits on immigration minister meeting
Local government leaders are awaiting a meeting with ministers as councils struggle to find homes for asylum seekers and refugees.
Councils told to 'step up' on refugee housing
The Government has told councils to ‘step up’ efforts to provide permanent homes for Afghan refugees, having served legal notices to quit to those still in hotel accommodation.
Kent launches legal action over asylum-seeking children
Kent CC has issued a claim for judicial review against the home secretary, asking her to direct other councils to receive their 'fair share’ of refugee children.
Eco rules are stifling development
Nutrient neutrality rules are stifling, and in many parts of the country the risk is that developers will be deterred by the cost of offsetting measures, considering housebuilding schemes unviable, writes Cllr Sam Chapman-Allen.
Councils warn of 'trauma' for evicted refugees
A surge in homeless refugees is expected as Afghan evacuees are evicted from hotels.
Ministers pile pressure on councils amid asylum crisis
Ministers are piling pressure on concerned councils as the Government pushes ahead with plans to remove Afghan refugees from hotel accommodation.
Making our vision reality
Cllr Bill Handley reflects on the rapid progress South Cambridgeshire DC has made in ensuring the Homes for Ukraine scheme achieves success in the area.