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Written question asked by Alex Sobel (Labour) on Thursday, 5 February 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 9 February 2026. It was answered by Mike Tapp (Labour) on Friday, 13 February 2026 on behalf of the Home Office.

Migrants: Health Services

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if her Department will make an assessment of the potential merits of reviewing the immigration health surcharge refund policy to allow for partial refunds to be made for periods of overlapping payments in cases where the applicant has applied to (a) extend and (b) switch their visa from outside the UK.

Answer

The new guidance being produced by the Home Office is designed to assist local authorities in supporting families with NRPF, as set out in the Child Poverty Strategy. The guidance will provide clarity around statutory duties and key safeguards for local authorities, ensuring a clear and consistent approach. The guidance does not alter the eligibility criteria for any current schemes or benefits.

Children whose families are subject to the ‘no recourse to public funds’ condition (NRPF) can currently access schemes and benefits such as free school meals, 15 hours of free childcare for disadvantaged two-year-olds and15 hours free childcare for three- to four-year-old.

The Home Office will continue to work across government where relevant to ensure that migrant children with NRPF are specifically considered when reviewing or deciding on eligibility for schemes and benefits.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
111193
Session
2024-26
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Health services Migrants Repayments Surcharges
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk