With the Labour Party’s landslide victory in the 2024 general election, significant changes are anticipated in the asylum housing sector. The scaremongering which appeared to blight the election is largely behind us and MPs from all corners of government can now work together on sorting out what has become a major crisis, without sacrificing the dignity and humanity of those at its core.
Indeed, Labour’s manifesto outlines a comprehensive strategy to reform the UK’s asylum housing system, aiming to make it more efficient, humane and fair for all parties. Here, we will unpack the parts of the manifesto which specifically refer to how the government will tackle the challenges which have been facing the sector now for years.
Ending the Rwanda Scheme
One of the first actions taken by the new Labour government was to scrap the controversial Rwanda scheme. This scheme, introduced by the previous Conservative government, aimed to send asylum seekers to Rwanda for processing. Labour’s decision to end this policy marks a definitive shift that could ultimately lead to more asylum seekers requiring UK-based housing.
Clearing the Asylum Backlog
A critical component of Labour’s plan is to address the backlog of asylum cases. The party has pledged to hire additional caseworkers to expedite the processing of asylum claims. This move is expected to reduce the time asylum seekers spend in temporary accommodations, such as hotels, which are both costly and unsuitable for long-term living.
Ending the Use of Hotels for Asylum Seekers
Labour aims to end the use of hotels as temporary accommodation for asylum seekers. This policy not only seeks to cut down the financial burden on taxpayers but also to provide more stable and appropriate housing solutions for asylum seekers. The party plans to work towards providing better housing facilities which are conducive to the well-being and integration of asylum seekers into society.
Establishing a Returns and Enforcement Unit
To manage those whose asylum claims are unsuccessful, Labour will establish a new Returns and Enforcement Unit. This unit, staffed with 1,000 additional personnel, will facilitate the removal to safe third countries of those individuals who do not have the right to remain in the UK. This approach is part of Labour’s broader strategy to ensure the asylum system is both fair and firm.
International Cooperation and Humanitarian Support
Labour’s approach includes working with international partners to address the root causes of migration and humanitarian crises. By supporting refugees in their home regions and improving international cooperation, Labour aims to reduce the number of people forced to take dangerous journeys to seek asylum in the UK.
Implications for the Asylum Housing Sector
For organisations such as ECCO which support vulnerable individuals, these changes mean a potential increase in demand for more permanent and suitable housing solutions for asylum seekers. They align with ECCO’s mission to support vulnerable individuals and present opportunities to enhance service delivery through innovative technology solutions.
The end of hotel use and the acceleration of asylum case processing will likely necessitate a more robust infrastructure for asylum accommodation. ECCO can play a pivotal role in this transition by providing technology solutions which streamline housing management and support services for asylum seekers, ensuring they receive the care and stability they need during the potentially stressful asylum process.