Refugee charities have warned that thousands of people in the UK could face homelessness this winter after the Home Office reduced the asylum accommodation period from 56 to 28 days. The change, quietly introduced by ministers, drastically shortens the time newly recognised refugees have to secure housing and employment.
The Local Government Association, British Red Cross, and several refugee support networks say the policy will force many people onto the streets. According to the British Red Cross, the move-on period is critical to preventing rough sleeping. Director of refugee services Alex Fraser stressed that it takes about 35 days to receive universal credit and at least 56 days for councils to prevent homelessness. Cutting the notice period to 28 days, he said, will increase destitution, strain local councils, and ultimately cost taxpayers more.
Government data shows that in the year ending June 2025, 110,000 people received decisions on their asylum claims, with around half granted leave to remain. Many of those newly recognised refugees now face the risk of homelessness. According to the No Accommodation Network (Naccom), homelessness among refugee adults rose by 99% in 2023–24, while rough sleeping surged by 125%, largely due to insufficient move-on time.
In December 2024, the government introduced a 56-day pilot scheme that markedly reduced street homelessness. Refugee charities report that the extended period allowed new refugees to avoid tents and rough sleeping. However, under the new rules, only pregnant women, families, and the elderly will continue to receive the 56-day allowance.
Steve Smith, chief executive of Care4Calais, criticised the change, saying it harms refugees, communities, and councils who bear the burden of increased homelessness. Bridget Young, director of Naccom, added that the move is deeply disappointing, particularly at a time when anti-migrant sentiment and racism are rising.
A government spokesperson defended the decision, saying ministers are addressing a “broken asylum system” inherited from the previous government. The Home Office highlighted progress in cutting asylum backlogs and reducing the use of hotels, but refugee organisations argue that without adequate housing support, street homelessness will only worsen.
