Randerson concerned at Effect of Asylum Backlog on Councils

5.10.13pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 3rd Sep 2007

A Welsh Liberal Democrat AM has voiced concern that plans to deal with an asylum backlog will have a massive impact on Councils' resources across Wales. The UK government is looking to tackle the cases of a number of families who have been in asylum accommodation for years without a decision being made on their future. They are looking to clear the backlog quickly but Jenny Randerson AM fears it will lead to huge additional demands on Councils.

It is estimated that approximately 80% of the families involved will be given 'Leave to Remain'. For Cardiff this will mean that around 120 of the 148 potential families involved will need housing/education/benefits and other services.

Welsh Lib Dem AM for Cardiff Central and Spokesperson on Local Government, Jenny Randerson said: "Once a decision is made, Councils will have a 28 day notice period before the families become their responsibility.

"Those families who are not currently in Council accommodation are put in a challenging predicament. Council's cannot pay their support costs until benefits have successfully been applied for and that will take some time. This will have a knock on effect on the homelessness situation and put demand on schools as it will involve some relocation.

"These decisions will be taken for families right across the country over the next 12 weeks and the implications of such large scale numbers will be very demanding. I am concerned that smaller authorities won't be able to cope and more pressure will inevitably be heaped on the larger authorities.

"This is another example of a chaotic, ill conceived initiative from the Home Office. Despite all the changes at the top, it is clear that Labour are still failing to get to grips with Britain's most troubled Government Department. I would like to see the UK Government providing support for Councils during this exercise. They cannot and should not expect council tax payers to pick up the bill for this initiative."

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