Family first to lose home under section

A mother and daughter have become the first family to lose their
home under the government’s policy that stops benefits to failed
asylum seekers.

Vanda Da Graca, 26, and her four-year-old daughter are staying with
a friend in Rochdale, Greater Manchester, after being evicted by
Rochdale Council.

A spokesperson for the council said it was aware that Da Graca had
alternative accommodation arranged when it evicted her.

The policy is under section 9 of the Asylum and Immigration
(Treatment of Claimants, etc) Act 2004.

Meanwhile, Bury Council has decided to allow the Khanali family,
who recently had their benefits stopped, to stay in their home.

Community Care has also learned that the Home Office has
been sending letters about the policy since July to failed
asylum-seeker families who have reached the end of the appeals
process, but who do not live in areas piloting the scheme.