Question to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities:

To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Statement by Lord Greenhalgh on 14 October (HLWS505), how the additional support for rough sleepers will be accessed by those evicted from asylum accommodation after a negative decision; and what plans they have to review their policy requiring such evictions to ensure that people are protected “from life threatening cold weather and risks posed by COVID-19”.

Those evicted from asylum accommodation after a negative decision will not be eligible for the additional support for rough sleepers specifically cited in Lord Greenhalgh’s written statement of 14 of October.

For those whose asylum claims have been rejected and have appeal rights exhausted, they will be expected to leave the country, assistance is available to those who opt to leave the country voluntarily.

The Voluntary Returns Scheme will pay for travel and provide a cash amount, and that can and should be utilised whenever possible.

Failed asylum seekers who are unable to leave the UK or take the necessary practical steps to enable them to leave will continue to be eligible to receive support from the Home Office.