Report - London Borough of Hillingdon

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Director of Finance Comments As noted in the Revenue Monitoring Report reported to this cycle, the cost of Looked After Children / Young People has been a significant factor that has contributed to the projected budget overspend for Social Services in the current year as well as making up a large element of the budget pressures for 1997/98. The report also outlines action to improve budgetary control that comes under the delegated responsibility of service managers plus progress on moving children / young people from (expensive) Looked After accommodation to (cheaper) more independent accommodation which are additionally attractive as they maximise the potential for claiming Housing Benefit. The implementation of these action points is essential in order to reduce the budget overspend in the current year and pressures identified for next year. PART I - MEMBERS & PUBLIC (INCLUDING THE PRESS) Social Services Committee - 30 January 1997 Page 22
ADULT ASYLUM SEEKERS - IMPLICATIONS FOR HILLINGDON COUNCIL ITEM 41 Contact Officer: Howard Stapleton Telephone: 01895 622424 SUMMARY This report highlights the needs of people seeking asylum in the United Kingdom, who have been denied Housing and Welfare Benefits since the introduction of the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996 and the potential impact upon Hillingdon Social Services Department. RECOMMENDATIONS 1. That members note the effect of the legislative changes on Asylum Seekers and the Social Services response to the Collin’s judgment. 2. That members understand the possible financial implications upon Social Services’ budgets at a time of considerable financial pressure. 3. That this report be referred to the Community Development Sub Committee for information. INFORMATION 41.1 The Asylum and Immigration Act 1996 became law in July 1996. The implications of this Act are that persons entering the UK who wished to register as seeking asylum are required to register at their port of entry at the time of arrival. Failure to do so invalidates a person’s application for welfare benefits from the Department of Social Security and assistance with housing from the Local Authority. 41.2 The consequence of this will mean an unregistered Asylum Seeker will become destitute - without accommodation, food or funds. 41.3 Four asylum seekers, with the aid of the Refugee Council, took their respective Local Authorities to Court, claiming that Local Authorities had a duty under the National Assistance Act 1948, section 21, to provide for this group of people. In October, Judge Collins found in the asylum seekers’ favour. The Local Authorities concerned have appealed against this decision and the matter is due to return to Court in January 1997. 41.4 Local Authorities have responded to the judgment in different ways. Initially, some Authorities, notwithstanding the Collins’ judgment, continued to offer no assistance. Others offered financial assistance toward accommodation only with a daily or weekly cash PART I - MEMBERS & PUBLIC (INCLUDING THE PRESS) Social Services Committee - 30 January 1997 Page 29
Page 1 and 2: SOCIAL SERVICES BUDGET MONITORING 1
Page 3 and 4: 38.7 Overall, taking into considera
Page 5 and 6: SOCIAL SERVICES CAPITAL PROGRAMME 1
Page 7 and 8: 39.6 The proposal to develop a host
Page 9: • A reduction in the number of un
Page 13 and 14: 41.11 It is impossible to gauge the
Page 15 and 16: 42.6 The draft Strategy for Mental
Page 17 and 18: CHILDREN’S SERVICES PLAN 1997-200
Page 19 and 20: 43.11 A positive outcome from this
Page 21 and 22: ARRANGEMENT TO PROVIDE SHARED ACCOM
Page 23 and 24: GRANTING OF LEASE ON 1 AND 2 MERRIM
Page 25 and 26: in the process of acquiring propert
Page 27 and 28: a. Statutory framework for planning
Page 29 and 30: THE ASSOCIATION OF LONDON GOVERNMEN
Page 31: independent sector and highlights a

Report - London Borough of Hillingdon

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