In July 2023, the controversial and deeply inhumane Illegal Migration Act (IMA) became law, marking the biggest overhaul of the UK asylum system in decades.  

The Act will not only have a profound impact on people seeking safety in the UK, but also communities and frontline service providers, including Local Authorities, with an anticipated increase in homelessness and destitution as a direct result of the provisions laid out by the Act, as well as specific risks and impacts for vulnerable groups.  

In light of the complex and evolving landscape of asylum policies related to the Act, and their likely impact on our communities, it is vital for Local Authorities to stay informed and prepared for the future. 

NACCOM and Asylum Matters have published a joint briefing note to set out some of the key aspects of the Act, consider the impact of these measures, and share practical and political actions that Local Authorities can take to support people seeking asylum in their communities.   

The briefing outlines the implications of the IMA measures on four key areas: 

  • The right to seek asylum and settle in the UK. 
  • Destitution and homelessness. 
  • Children and safeguarding. 
  • Protections for survivors of trafficking and modern slavery. 

The aim of the briefing note is to help Local Authorities better understand the new measures, and the practical actions they can take to mitigate their harmful effects. We also encourage Local Authorities, and organisaitons working with Local Authorities, to share the briefing with relevant colleagues, as well as other organisations and networks that may benefit from this resource. 

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch with the authors of the report Leon Elliott and Jennifer Laws.

Useful links;

➡️  Joint briefing | Risks of homelessness and destitution posed by the Illegal Migration Bill – NACCOM 

➡️  Blog | Preparing for the impact of the Illegal Migration Act – NACCOM

➡️  Our statement on the Illegal Migration Bill | “A profoundly shameful and damaging moment” – NACCOM