Do you need accurate information on the housing entitlements of migrants, refugees and other new arrivals in England & Wales?
Find the answers at www.housing-rights.info
This specialist website from BMENational and the Chartered Institute of Housing has up-to-date information on the legal entitlements for all types of migrant – whether they apply as homeless, want accommodation through the waiting list or letting scheme, or apply for housing benefit. There is a separate set of pages for Scotland.
The site gives guidance which covers the full details of different entitlements for different kinds of immigration status, for example: • People from all parts of Europe (such as Bulgaria, Croatia and Romania) and elsewhere • People who are employed, self-employed or workseeking • Family members, divorced or separated spouses, children, students and special cases such as people suffering domestic violence • Refugees and their family members who have entered the UK through different schemes • Migrants who have become destitute or who need social care.
The site is split into two sections: one for new arrivals themselves, and a section with more detailed guidance for practitioners and those giving advice.
There are general explanations for new arrivals of how the English and Welsh housing systems work and the differences between local authorities and housing associations.
There is detailed guidance for practitioners on the law and government guidance on homelessness, lettings and housing benefit and the eligibility of different types of migrant. There is guidance on acceptable ways for new arrivals to demonstrate their immigration status. There is advice on avoiding discrimination against new arrivals.
The site is updated as the law changes. The last update was for the restrictions on benefits which took effect on 1st April 2014. There are plans to extend the site to cover rights in the private rented sector.
Check out the site at www.housing-rights.info and make sure this authoritative resource is available to all your staff who need to know about housing entitlements.
For further information or to comment on the site, contact john.perry@cih.org
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