Understanding Migrant Destitution in London

‘No Recourse to Public Funds’ (NRPF) is an immigration condition prohibiting access to the welfare safety net, including benefits and housing assistance. Local authorities have found themselves under increasing pressure to juggle a ‘parallel welfare safety net’ for destitute families subject to NRPF. Whilst NRPF is sometimes seen as a niche policy question, the growing numbers of people with NRPF (2.6 million people in 2022) and the rising levels of need mean that we cannot hope to tackle child poverty without considering how children are impacted by the NRPF policy.

Over half of the total number of destitute families and children supported by local authorities are from Greater London.  Lucy Leon from COMPAS will be highlighting the vital role of local authorities in London as they support destitute families with consideration of the importance of meeting children's needs and supporting families with limited access to other means of support. 

This virtual event will include data from the responses of local authorities across London regarding the level of need they see in destitute families across their borough, locked out of the welfare safety net.

Lucy will also speak to the evidence regarding how the No Recourse to Public Funds visa condition impacts families across London when they need support and recommendations for an improved support system to ensure families access the care and resources they need.

To learn more about this research, use this link.