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Immigration: EU Nationals

Answer

The Home Office has put in place a comprehensive vulnerability strategy to ensure that the EU Settlement Scheme is accessible for all, including children in care.
A user group of external stakeholders who represent the needs of vulnerable individuals has been established to work with the Home Office to understand relevant risks and issues and to ensure the right support arrangements are in place for applicants. We are also engaging with relevant stakeholders such as the Department for Education, Local Government Association and Association of Directors of Children’s Services to assess the needs of this group and ensure they are met.
a) The Department for Education (DfE) and Home Office have agreed that local authorities in England will need to ensure that applications for the scheme are made on behalf of all looked after children who are EU citizens and for whom they have parental responsibility.

For children accommodated by the local authority under section 20 of the Children Act 1989: Local authorities will raise awareness of the Settlement Scheme to those with parental responsibility for eligible child(ren), provide practical support where needed, or signpost to relevant community support where this is deemed more appropriate.

This process has also been agreed for children in care in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
b) The Home Office has announced grant funding of up to £9 million for voluntary and community sector organisation to support vulnerable EU citizens who might need additional help when applying for the Settlement Scheme.
Specific guidance and resources for local authorities and community leaders is being produced to inform vulnerable groups about the application process and the need to apply.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

233452

Session

2017-19

Subjects

Children Immigration EU nationals

Link

View this Written question on www.parliament.uk