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Arhag is partnering with NACCOM to host an event on 14th May designed to provide an opportunity to discuss some key challenges facing migrants and people seeking asylum in the UK, as well as exploring the vital role that housing plays, and the potential solutions that housing associations might offer in providing safe, stable accommodation.

What is NACCOM?

NACCOM (The No Accommodation Network) is made up of more than 140 UK-wide frontline organisations and charities that accommodate and support people seeking asylum, refugees, and other migrants who are experiencing destitution and homelessness.

A core focus of NACCOM’s work is supporting people with ‘No Recourse to Public Funds’ (NRPF), which is a key area of discussion at the conference. People subject to NRPF conditions are not eligible to access most forms of statutory support, including housing and homelessness assistance.

Understanding the impact of NRPF

NRPF prevents, or restricts, access to the welfare system and forms of government support for certain groups of people who have migrated to the UK, including people in the asylum system, effectively blocking them from vital support when they are in need. The length of time someone is subject to NRPF conditions varies depending on the type of visa or permission to stay in the country they have been given. For example, someone who has come to the UK on a visa may be subject to NRPF, as well as someone who has been refused asylum and is waiting to appeal.

The effects of NRPF are wide-ranging and can force individuals and entire families into cycles of poverty and prolonged periods of homelessness. Some groups can be disproportionately put at risk by NRPF conditions. For example the evidence shows that women, low-income families, disabled people, pregnant women and black and ethnic minority British children are all impacted.

The purpose of the May conference

Tom MacPherson, Network Development Coordinator at NACCOM, said, “At NACCOM, we are excited at the chance this conference gives us to shed light on the issues affecting people experiencing destitution and homelessness in the asylum and immigration system. Housing associations can play an important role in providing accommodation solutions, and we would like to thank Arhag for their support and involvement in making this event possible.”

Also supporting the event is Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing (MTVH), which provides affordable housing across London, the South East, East Midlands and East of England. A key goal of the event is to explore how housing associations like Arhag and Metropolitan Thames Valley can best work with the voluntary sector to provide accommodation pathways for people with NRPF.

Arhag’s Chief Executive, Chris Harris, explained the importance of events like the May conference. “We’re always looking to learn about how we can improve our services and support our residents, especially those who find themselves in difficult circumstances. NACCOM does vital work supporting refugees, and I’m looking forward to talking to them about the role Arhag can play in helping migrants and asylum seekers access the accommodation they need.”

The hope is that the event in May will facilitate discussion about how housing associations and organisations like Arhag and NACCOM can best use each other’s work to support and empower migrants lacking access to the resources needed to resettle in the UK.