Stephen has visited Newham Community Project which is helping families who are struggling because they have the No Recourse To Public Funds condition attached to their visa.
The No Recourse To Public Funds condition means individuals are unable to claim most benefits, tax credits or housing assistance that are paid by the state. These include: income-based jobseeker’s allowance; income support; child tax credit; universal credit; working tax credit; child benefit; and housing benefit. Last year, a report by the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants found the that policy was pushing families into “abject poverty” and forcing them into unsustainable debt and into homelessness or unsafe, overcrowded, insecure housing.
Newham Community Project has seen a stark increase in the numbers of families accessing food banks – with a huge increase over the last eight weeks. The charity estimates that it gave out over 500 winter food parcels already this week. The foodpacks contain essential groceries such as fruit, vegetable bags, bread, eggs and milk. Those with young children are also given nappies, baby toiletries and baby food.
Speaking after the visit, Stephen said: “I have repeatedly pressed the government to lift the ‘No Recourse to Public Funds’ restriction – which prevents many families who live and work legally in the UK from claiming Universal Credit if they have to stop work – for the duration of the pandemic. I applaud Newham Community Project. But it can’t be right for the government to wash its hands of the fate of so many young people.”
Stephen’s comments were echoed by Elyas Ismail, Chief Operating Officer, Newham Community Project, who said: “Hunger and poverty remain very much at large, and we provide food and necessities to help support those with no recourse to public funds, facing vulnerability and destitution. Organisations like Islamic Relief UK make this possible.”