The systemic failures in the process refugees face in seeking housing following a decision to grant them refugee protection have been exposed in a new report by the Refugee Council. The report emphasizes the challenges that refugees encounter due to a “dysfunctional by design and discriminatory in delivery” process.
Why is there a crisis in refugee homelessness in London?
- Refugees have only 28 days to secure housing after receiving protection.
- Newly recognized refugees struggle to find homes in the private rental sector.
- 239% increase in refugees requiring homelessness support after eviction.
What are the proposed solutions?
- Establishing a refugee tenancy deposit fund by the next Mayor of London.
- Extending the move-on period to at least 56 days by the Government.
- Providing better tenancy support for new refugees.
- Issuing all documentation to refugees on the same day.
The CEO of the Refugee Council, Enver Solomon, highlights the urgent need to prevent refugee homelessness by addressing the inadequate support provided. He emphasizes the importance of giving refugees a fair chance to rebuild their lives with dignity.
The report recommends practical steps for the next Mayor of London and the Government to tackle the crisis, including creating a tenancy deposit fund and extending the move-on period. It is crucial for political leaders to implement these solutions promptly to prevent homelessness and destitution among newly recognized refugees.
For more information, you can read the full report: Keys to the City 2024: ending refugee homelessness in London.
Source: www.refugeecouncil.org.uk