Refugees‟ Experiences and Views of Poverty in Scotland
4
means that resources tend to be taken up with meeting the immediate survival needs of
asylum seekers rather than being available for the longer term integration support needs
of those who become refugees (Zetter et al 2005; Sim 2009). In addition, restrictions on
taking paid employment were introduced in July 2002. In being prevented from taking
employment asylum seekers are forced to rely on benefits but are entitled to only 70% of
Income Support in the UK. Until recently the shortfall was paid once a positive decision
was received. However, this entitlement has now been removed and the main option
available to refugees is an Integration Loan which they have to fulfil certain criteria to
access.
In 2006 the Home Office was reported to have a backlog of approximately 450,000
unresolved claims for asylum across the UK and the Case Resolution Directorate was
created to deal with what became known as „legacy‟ cases (Sim 2009). The difficulties in
processing claims efficiently led to the development of the New Asylum Model (NAM) which
had the aim of resolving the majority of claims for asylum within six months of the first
application. Through the legacy process a large number of people who had been in the
asylum system for up to six years were given indefinite leave to remain in the UK but
without refugee status, giving them a different set of rights and entitlements to those who
receive a positive decision under NAM. Refugee support organisations are concerned not
only that many „legacy‟ cases have taken too long to resolve, several years in some cases
(Sales 2007), but also that the shorter timescales involved under NAM makes it difficult for
asylum seekers to access appropriate legal advice and support and gives asylum seekers
less time to orientate themselves and create local links (Scottish Refugee Council 2007;
Sim 2009).
The situation is made more complex for asylum seekers and refugees in Scotland by the
nature of the devolution settlement between the UK and Scotland. Whilst the services that
provide support to asylum seekers and refugees such as education, health and social
services, are devolved, immigration policy; equalities and human rights, and social security
are reserved matters. Therefore, conflicts can arise between the central control of
resources and the provision of support at a local level (Zetter et al 2005; Mulvey 2009a;
Sim 2009). However, the declining population in Scotland led to the development of the
Fresh Talent initiative designed to attract skilled migrant workers to Scotland. This
initiative fostered the development of a more inclusive attitude in Scotland towards
refugees (Wren 2007) and also marked a real difference between the Scottish policy
context and that of Westminster.
Housing policy is reserved to Westminster in terms of supplying accommodation to asylum
seekers. However, it becomes a devolved matter once a positive decision has been
received, which adds to the complexity of the transition to refugee status. The quality,
location and size of available housing for refugees in Glasgow were viewed as impacting on
refugees‟ experiences of poverty in Scotland. During the asylum process different services
are offered by the three main providers; Glasgow Housing Association (GHA); Angel and
YMCA. Asylum seekers housed in GHA accommodation are more likely to be able to stay in
the property they have been living in until appropriate permanent accommodation can be
secured. However, where the accommodation is provided by Angel or the YMCA, refugees
have 28 days to find suitable accommodation once they have been granted leave to
remain.
The properties supplied to asylum seekers and subsequently to refugees are often of poor
quality and in areas where the housing stock is being replaced or refurbished. This is
largely due to the dispersal initially being housing led and to the particular situation with

Experiences and Views of Poverty in Scotland Article 2022

Contribute Materials

Related Documents

+13062052269

info@desklib.com