To: Rt Hon Michael Gove MP
Ask the Government to re-introduce their 'Homes for' scheme in order to help the homeless refugees
Dear Mr Gove,
I am writing with reference to the extremely high volume of refugees currently being made homeless after the move-on period from asylum accommodation in the UK.
I am asking you to consider the re-introduction of the 'Homes for' scheme whereby you will allow those with a spare room and a good heart to sponsor these desperate individuals, at a time where they should be trying to overcome their past traumas and rebuild their lives here in this welcoming country.
I am writing with reference to the extremely high volume of refugees currently being made homeless after the move-on period from asylum accommodation in the UK.
I am asking you to consider the re-introduction of the 'Homes for' scheme whereby you will allow those with a spare room and a good heart to sponsor these desperate individuals, at a time where they should be trying to overcome their past traumas and rebuild their lives here in this welcoming country.
Why is this important?
The 'Homes for Ukraine' scheme was considered a 'significant success' and helped over 100,000 Ukrainians, therefore I am confident a similar scheme would also prove to be as helpful in this case.
The scheme would also once again highlight the kindness, compassion and generosity of the British public in welcoming refugees into their lives and homes once again.
Something needs to be done urgently before the UK faces an even bigger crisis.
This issue is of huge concern, and not just to those facing homelessness.
Some of these individuals have been given just 7 days to leave asylum accommodation, prior to this many of them had no legal right to work here. With no work, they have no money, with no money how are they supposed to access food? Sadly, many are forced to turn to crime just to access basic needs.
Refugees are advised to open bank accounts and claim Universal Credit upon receipt of their 'right to remain' papers. A bank account is not easy to open without a permanent address, especially now as a growing number of banks and building societies will not acknowledge asylum hotels as a 'permanent address'.
Applying for Universal Credit is also not easy to do without including bank details in the initial application.
These individuals are also at real risk of being exploited by criminal gangs, due to their vulnerable state - they are more at risk of being groomed by sex and/or drug traffickers. Many are then forced into addiction and prostitution to make money and pay off debts.
These are just a few of the barriers refugees in the UK face after being told they have their 'right to remain'.
Therefore, in helping these people into safe environments where they get a decent chance to rebuild their lives, we would also be helping to prevent criminal activity and ease the burden on our already overstretched GP practices and hospitals.
I would please urge you to consider the above, sooner rather than later.
The scheme would also once again highlight the kindness, compassion and generosity of the British public in welcoming refugees into their lives and homes once again.
Something needs to be done urgently before the UK faces an even bigger crisis.
This issue is of huge concern, and not just to those facing homelessness.
Some of these individuals have been given just 7 days to leave asylum accommodation, prior to this many of them had no legal right to work here. With no work, they have no money, with no money how are they supposed to access food? Sadly, many are forced to turn to crime just to access basic needs.
Refugees are advised to open bank accounts and claim Universal Credit upon receipt of their 'right to remain' papers. A bank account is not easy to open without a permanent address, especially now as a growing number of banks and building societies will not acknowledge asylum hotels as a 'permanent address'.
Applying for Universal Credit is also not easy to do without including bank details in the initial application.
These individuals are also at real risk of being exploited by criminal gangs, due to their vulnerable state - they are more at risk of being groomed by sex and/or drug traffickers. Many are then forced into addiction and prostitution to make money and pay off debts.
These are just a few of the barriers refugees in the UK face after being told they have their 'right to remain'.
Therefore, in helping these people into safe environments where they get a decent chance to rebuild their lives, we would also be helping to prevent criminal activity and ease the burden on our already overstretched GP practices and hospitals.
I would please urge you to consider the above, sooner rather than later.
