News

Individuals with citizenship or refugee status in other European Union states who try to claim support in the UK from local authorities could be refused assistance under new proposals.

Under an amendment to the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Bill, such individuals will be refused assistance and given the means to return to their own country.

Those with children and special care needs will receive short-term assistance, and where families with children refuse to leave, the children will be offered places in care but no support will be given to the adults.

Home secretary David Blunkett said: "I am determined to put in place the structure to deal with individuals who come to this country with the sole aim of defrauding and abusing our system."

The Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Bill was due to receive its House of Commons report stage and third reading earlier this week.