LETTERS TO USE WHEN ASYLUM SEEKERS DECIDE AGAINST STAYING IN NASS ACCOMMODATION AND CHOOSE TO FIND THEIR OWN

24 - LETTERS TO USE WHEN ASYLUM SEEKERS DECIDE AGAINST STAYING IN NASS ACCOMMODATION AND CHOOSE TO FIND THEIR OWN –VERSION 1.1

1. Purpose and Scope

The purpose of this instruction is to introduce two letters to use when asylum seekers who are offered NASS accommodation but decline it in order to take up accommodation they have found for themselves. This is to prevent them from staying in emergency accommodation longer than necessary or remaining in the London and Southeast if they have no overwhelming reason to remain in the area. It does not cover discontinuing their support should they fail to comply. This is found in Policy Bulletin Number 22.

One letter is for the Asylum Seeker the other is for the Reception Assistant. The letters are stored on the F:/ Drive. In addition, they are attached to this instruction as annexes A and B (Click on the template you want).

2. Sending the letters

2.1 The letters must be sent when an asylum seeker is in emergency accommodation and has declined NASS accommodation, on the basis that s/he has identified his or her own place to live. You should insert the date when the person must leave emergency accommodation; this should be the day after notification normally no more than 2 days from the date of the letter.

3. Non-compliance with the instructions in the letter

3.1 Caseworkers must consider discontinuing the support if a NASS supported asylum seeker fails to comply with the directions in the letter.

4. Checking the address the applicant provides

4.1 Caseworkers must check that the address the person has submitted is not a NASS one. If this is the case, the Reception Assistant should be advised that the address is not acceptable and that the person should be invited to provide another or accept the offer of accommodation at an address provided by NASS. If the person declines, consideration must be given to discontinuing support.

Annex A

LETTER TO RECEPTION ASSISTANT ABOUT CHANGE OF ADDRESS

Dear ZReceptionAssistant

CHANGE OF CIRCUMSTANCE – NEW ADDRESS

To confirm our conversation Ztitle ZfamilyName has declined the accommodation offered and will be residing at:

[new address].

Please ensure that Ztitle ZfamilyName understands that they must confirm the address with the correct postcode to NASS either in writing or by providing a bill or similar with the address shown.

The accommodation arranged has been cancelled and the support package changed to subsistence only.

Please ensure that Ztitle ZfamilyName leaves the emergency accommodation by (DATE). NASS cannot accept the cost beyond then.

Annex B

Change of Circumstance – Change of Address

Dear Ztitle ZFamilyName

CHANGE OF CIRCUMSTANCE – CHANGE OF ACCOMMODATION

You have declined the accommodation offered and will be making your own arrangements. Your change of address has been noted please confirm either in writing or by providing a bill or similar with the address and correct postcode shown.

Zaddress

We have cancelled the accommodation arranged for you and have changed your support package to subsistence only.

You must leave the emergency accommodation and move to your new address by no later than (date). This is a condition of your continued support. Failure to travel to your new address on this date may result in your support being discontinued.