London authorities face hefty bill

London councils are set to face a bill of £40m because of the
government’s decision to grant leave to remain to up to 15,000
asylum seeker families, the Association of London Government has
claimed.

The Home Office announced last October that up to 15,000 families
who sought asylum in the UK more than three years ago would be
considered for permission to live and work in the UK in a one
off-asylum amnesty. Most of the eligible families live in
London.

However, councils claim they need extra funds to meet legal and
administrative costs incurred when transferring the accommodation
arrangements for the families.

The ALG is in discussions with the Home Office and has called for
an urgent meeting with the new minister for immigration, Des
Browne, to ask for assistance with the costs.