CSAN calls for legislation to support positive contribution of people coming to UK

Ahead of today’s Queens Speech, in which immigration policy is anticipated to feature prominently, Caritas Social Action Network (CSAN) has called for legislation to focus on the positive contribution made by people coming to this country.

CSAN is the social action arm of the Catholic Church in England and Wales and comprises 41 member charities many of whom work with refugees and economic migrants.

The Government is today expected to announce a new Immigration Bill, which aims at tightening immigration law, enhancing enforcement powers and regulating access to the NHS. In addition, the Queen’s Speech is expected to include details about plans to limit access to certain benefits; ensure that only those with well-established local residency and local association are eligible for social housing in their area and outline the introduction of a new ‘residence test’ in order to qualify for civil legal aid.

Commenting in advance of the Queens Speech, CSAN’s Public Policy Officer, Liam Allmark said: “Any legislation that comes before Parliament on this issue should focus on and facilitate the positive contribution that people coming to this country make.”

“CSAN will be monitoring any forthcoming legislation closely to ensure that adequate protections for vulnerable individuals are in place and that the right to family life is appropriately safeguarded.”

“We are especially anxious to ensure that the government does not pre-empt the outcome of its legal aid consultation by legislating for a 12 month residency criteria for access to civil legal aid, and takes care to ensure that civil legal aid remains available to victims of trafficking and domestic abuse”.

“We will also be calling on the Government to guarantee that any local residency criteria for social housing contains exemptions for those who may have been forced to move due to recent benefit changes such as the household benefit cap and under-occupation penalty.”