The growing number of asylum seekers arriving in the UK, partly as a result of increased mobility and developments in communications, has put the asylum system under severe strain. The number of people claiming asylum increased dramatically from about 4,000 a year in 1988 to over 70,000 in 1999 (Ref. 2). Largely as a result of this increase, the backlog of asylum seekers awaiting a decision, and the costs of supporting them, have increased substantially. In some cases, those who apply are fleeing poverty rather than persecution. Yet no matter how rational the desire for a prosperous life, it does not bring entitlement to refugee status. It is therefore important to have systems in place that determine swiftly, but fairly, whether a claim for asylum is genuine. In the interim, those awaiting a decision require support.
The main aim of this report is to help local agencies to make the policy of dispersal work. Although written principally for local government and health authorities, some of its findings and recommendations are relevant to other partner organisations, such as housing associations, police authorities and the employment service. And areas with established asylum-seeking and refugee communities may also find the report useful - much good practice exists in these areas but it is not universal. Finally, the findings and recommendations raise issues for the Home Office and other government departments.
Included in this report:
- the new support arrangements for asylum seekers
- planning for dispersal - the role of regional consortia
- providing support services at the local level
- strengthening the national framework