Councils unite to slam asylum policy

Ten councils in Yorkshire and Humberside lashed out against the
government policy that can lead to failed asylum seekers having
their children taken into care, writes Amy
Taylor.

The councils said that they had expressed ‘grave
concerns’ about the measures to the Home Office.

All the councils covered by the legislation, which is being
piloted in Greater Manchester, Yorkshire and Humberside and parts
of London, have now publicly criticised it.

Ten councils in the greater Manchester area plus Blackburn with
Darwen were the first to act earlier this month by calling for an
urgent review of the policy in a letter to the Home Office.

The Association of Directors of Social Services has also
expressed concerns in a statement sent to the Home Office earlier
this week arguing that it conflicts with childcare legislation and
is likely to result in judicial reviews of individual cases.

London councils gave their support to the ADSS’ comments
earlier this week.

The legislation, contained in section nine of the Asylum and
Immigration (Treatment of Claimants, etc) Act 2004, removes
benefits from asylum seekers whose claims have failed and who
refuse to leave the country voluntarily and as a result can lead to
their children being taken into care.

The Home Office refused to comment on the concerns.