Immigration
Asylum centre site could host prison
Braintree DC has warned it faces intervention from a second Government department when the Home Office ends its controversial use of a former airfield as an asylum centre.
Care sector 'in the dark' over immigration clampdown
The public has been have been ‘left in the dark’ over the impact on social care following a clampdown on immigration rules, peers have said.
Home Office 'chaos' leaves thousands of illegal arrivals in 'perma-backlog'
The Government’s struggling asylum policy has heaped significant demand on cities’ housing services, experts have warned.
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.
EXCLUSIVE: Councils offered second chance to claim housing cash
Civil servants have issued a last-minute invitation for councils to claim cash from a fund that has suffered from poor take up by local authorities.
Care bosses ‘blindsided’ by foreign dependents ban
Social care bosses were ‘blindsided’ by ministers’ ban on international staff bringing dependents to the UK and fear an exodus from the sector, an expert has warned.
Barge death concerns
Concerns over conditions inside some asylum accommodation intensified this week, after the death of an asylum seeker onboard the controversial Bibby Stockholm barge.
Council directors call for ministers to ditch 'senseless' immigration crackdown
An influential group of experts – including council directors – has urged ministers to ditch ‘senseless’ plans to tighten visa requirements for social care and health workers.
Fewer than 100 homes for refugees are occupied
Fewer than 100 homes acquired using a fund to support English councils obtain housing for those fleeing conflicts have been occupied, according to the latest figures.
Port in a storm
Carralyn Parkes writes exclusively for The MJ on why she is reluctantly making a claim against Dorset Council for not enforcing planning law on asylum-seeker barge, the Bibby Stockholm.
EXCLUSIVE: Home Office accused of misleading council over asylum plans
The Home Office faces accusations in the High Court it misled a council over controversial plans for an asylum centre at a former military base.
NAO calls for Homes for Ukraine clarity
Ministers must prioritise ‘important decisions’ over Homes for Ukraine – including continued funding for councils, spending watchdogs have urged.
EXCLUSIVE: Council warning over asylum communication
‘Limited’ Home Office communication over asylum – including poor data sharing - continues to stymie efforts to resolve accommodation problems, councils have warned.
Stop notice at RAF Scampton
West Lindsey DC has again told the Home Office to cease work at RAF Scampton.
No easy answers to refugee housing conundrum
Ending the use of bridging hotels for Afghan refugees will not resolve accommodation issues any time soon, warns Natalie Brahma-Pearl.
Asylum ‘perma-backlog’ to impact councils
Reforms to the UK’s asylum system are likely to pile more pressure on councils struggling to support unaccompanied children, a new report has found.
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.
Scrutinising migration
With asylum and immigration sure to feature in political debates ahead of a General Election, what does the Illegal Migration Act mean for councils? Mark Conrad reports.
Exploitation warning after Illegal Migration Bill becomes law
Unaccompanied asylum seeking children (UASC) could be in danger of being exploited after the Illegal Migration Act created an incentive for them to run away.
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.