Councils ask for UK to lift bars on emergency help for migrants

Call to suspend NRPF' hostile environment measure that stops some people accessing public funds

Local authorities have called on the government to suspend the controversial no recourse to public funds" immigration status for the duration of the coronavirus pandemic, to prevent thousands from falling into destitution and homelessness.

High numbers of people who have this status attached to their visas have been approaching councils for emergency assistance during the pandemic. Many are struggling to survive during the exceptional circumstances of lockdown, with no safety net, according to the Local Government Association (LGA), which represents councils in England and Wales.