Charity calls for ban on winter evictions as shocking new figures show refugee homeless crisis unfold

A refugee charity is calling for a ban on winter evictions this Christmas as new data reveals a spike in homeless refugees following recent changes to the Government’s refugee policies.

Figures released by Care4Calais revealed that in the first 10 months of 2023, 138 new refugees presented as homeless in Hammersmith and Fulham following their asylum claim being granted. 

This represents a 331 per cent increase compared to the whole of 2022.

The West London borough has the highest percentage increase compared to all other London boroughs where councils provided data.

The number of new refugees identifying as homeless in Lambeth and Lewisham both increased by 95 per cent. 

The charity submitted Freedom of Information requests to 348 councils across the UK. Data from the 283 local authorities who responded to the information request shows Hammersmith and Fulham to have the 14th-highest percentage increase compared to all UK boroughs.

Southwark, Croydon and Wandsworth councils all failed to respond.

These figures come after the Government recently changed its refugee policy.

The Government announced the streamlined asylum processing system in February to help move people through the asylum system. The system applied to adults and families from Afghanistan, Eritrea, Libya, Syria and Yemen.

This meant people seeking asylum from those countries only needed to complete a questionnaire instead of an interview – receiving refugee status much more quickly.

Throughout 2023, 75 per cent of asylum claims in the UK have been accepted, according to Care4Calais.

Then, in September, the Government made changes to the process for newly-recognised refugees, meaning that people granted refugee status would have just seven days’ notice to leave their accommodation that had been provided by the asylum service.

Asylum seekers do not have the right to work in the UK, making it virtually impossible to secure housing and financial support, and placing pressures on local authority homelessness services. 

Previously, refugees had 28 days to move out of their asylum accommodation and many would be allowed to stay until the person received their Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) card.

A spokesperson from Care4Calais said the charity is now seeing clients evicted before their BRP card even arrives.

Care4Calais warn that the 331 per cent increase in Hammersmith and Fulham may only be the “tip of the iceberg”, as many local authorities predict a further wave of asylum grants before the end of 2023 as the Government tried to clear a backlog of asylum claims.

Steve Smith, chief executive of Care4Calais said: “For the survivors of war, torture and persecution, this should be a moment of celebration. But, for many, it has become their latest nightmare.

“No one wants to see people who come here for sanctuary, left destitute on our streets, but that is what is happening under this Government.

“The burden for this rising crisis should not fall on charities and overstretched local authorities like Hammersmith and Fulham council. We need the Government to step up, extend the move-on period and remove the barriers and an immediate ban on winter evictions this Chrismtas.”

To support Care4Calais visist www.care4calais.org.

A spokesman from Hammersmith and Fulham council said: “We have seen a huge rise in homeless applications since the Home Office changed its policy for refugees. We will continue to help people seeking a home as part of a range of assistance we provide to people with refugee status including connecting to local schools, health services, land lords and others, to ensure refugees are welcomed and supported in the borough.”

The Home Office has been approached for comment.

Picture: Care4Calais warn that these figures may only be the “tip of the iceberg” (Picture: PA)