05.02.18
Croydon given just 2% of asylum-seekers fund despite being ‘key gateway borough’
Croydon Council has challenged the government’s award to support unaccompanied asylum-seeking children (UASC).
The borough, which claims to look after the second highest number of UASC in the UK, has been awarded less than 2% of a national fund to support unaccompanied children.
In the past 10 years, Croydon has accommodated more than 4,800 UASC, but the council has been awarded just £370,000 of the £19m that the Controlling Migration Fund has set aside for councils who care for these children.
The south London borough says that it is a “key gateway” authority due to the location of the UK Home Office in its town centre.
Leader of the council, Cllr Tony Newman, said that the authority is “astonished and very disappointed” by the allocation.
“We look after almost 10% of the UASC in the UK, yet are getting less than 2% of funding,” he explained.
“The funding formula they have applied appears to be very basic and in no way does it represent a fair way of reflecting the burden faced by local authorities.”
He added that the government must provide the funding required if these children are to integrate and thrive in their communities.
“Croydon taxpayers simply cannot be expected to foot the bill for over £3m annually in direct costs of being a gateway borough when this is a national issue,” Newman continued.
“We welcome the government’s decision to make this funding available for these young people but Croydon’s allocation is completely unacceptable. As these allocations are at draft stage we are asking them to re-consider.”
A Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government spokesperson told PSE: “Croydon Council receives £600,000 from the Controlling Migration Fund to help support unaccompanied asylum seeking children.
“This fund will also help give other councils the ability to support young people fleeing persecution, relieving pressure on areas like Croydon.”