A new Home Office data release has revealed an exponential increase in applications to have the No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) condition lifted during the coronavirus pandemic.
In the second quarter of 2020 (from April to June) there were 5,665 applications to have the NRPF condition lifted, compared to 914 in the same period last year – an increase of 519.8%. The figure represents an 572% increase on the first quarter of 2020 (843 applications).
This increase reflects reports from charities and sector experts that thousands of No Recourse families are facing destitution during the coronavirus pandemic.
The data release also revealed that it took the Home Office an average of 30 days to decide on these applications – for which the requirement is destitution, imminent risk of destitution, or where there are particularly compelling reasons relating to the welfare of a child - in this period.
The proportion of people successful in their application – 89% - was the highest since records were made available in 2017, reflecting the high numbers in abject poverty.
The data was published after the Rt Hon. Stephen Timms MP raised concerns with the UK Statistics Authority about the lack of meaningful response from the Home Office to MPs’ Parliamentary Questions on the policy. In response, the UK Statistics Authority criticised the Home Office for giving “confusing and unclear” reasons for refusing to reveal how many migrants have the condition.
Daniel Shaw, the Home Office Head of Profession for Statistics for the Home Office recognised in his response that: ‘There is a clear public interest in NRPF with regards to the numbers of individuals where the policy has prevented access to public funds if this subsequently were to give rise to hardship.’
Rt Hon. Stephen Timms MP, Chair of the Work and Pensions Select Committee, commented: ‘This data puts into stark relief what we already know – that during the pandemic thousands of families without a safety net are being forced into destitution. This is an exceptional situation which demands an exceptional response. The NRPF condition must be lifted for the duration of the pandemic.’
During the pandemic, those with NRPF - which bars migrants from accessing ‘public funds’ – most mainstream benefits and welfare support - have faced particular hardship. Many are unable to access the Job Retention and Self Employment Schemes: they have been made redundant, have been working in the cash economy, or have significantly reduced hours or income. They are barred from accessing social security, so have no safety net. Many have been forced to disobey public health guidance in to obtain an income. Many are struggling to pay rent and bills, and are force to access foodbanks in order to provide for their families.