Extending the "move-on" period for newly granted refugees: Analysis of impacts and costs

Bert Provan

Published 18 February 2020

This report considers the impact of extending the "move-on" period (currently 28 days) which is allowed to refugees, once they are awarded Leave to Remain in the UK. This question arises for those refugees who were in receipt of Section 95 subsistence and accommodation grants from the Home Office at the point of being granted refugee status. The move-on period allows for the continuation of Section 95 support for 28 days, with the aim that work and/or mainstream benefits can be secured, and alternative accommodation arranged, by the time this support is stopped.

Over the last five years, a range of agencies and groups have suggested increasing this period to 56 days, as they believe 28 days is not long enough to allow this transition to take place. They argue that the 28-day rule increases the risks of homelessness and destitution for some refugee households, and that the potential benefits of a supported integration into work and community life are undermined. The agencies and groups include the British Red Cross, Refugee Council, the No Accommodation Network, the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Refugees, the All-Party Parliamentary group on Homelessness, and CRISIS (a national homelessness campaigning and service provision charity).