Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps he is taking to improve the English Language lessons service for refugees; and if he will make a statement.

The Government is committed to ensuring that all refugees have access to the English language support they need. For refugees resettled in the UK under the Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme and the Vulnerable Children’s Resettlement Scheme the Government has provided additional funding which can be accessed by local authorities. Those who make their own way to the UK to claim asylum and are granted refugee status are eligible for funding for English language courses through the Adult Education Budget. Courses are free for unemployed refugees who are looking for work.

The Government published the Integrated Communities Strategy Green Paper on 14^th March (https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/integrated-communities-strategy-green-paper). This included proposals on the future of integration support for refugees and set out that the Government will work with civil society to increase integration support for refugees recognised after arrival in the UK. The Green Paper committed Government to share best practice and build on learning about what works in relation to support for refugees on employment, English language, mental health and cultural orientation. It also proposed the development of a new English language strategy for England.

Consultation on the Green Paper closed in June and there will be a Government response in the Autumn.