• March 19, 2024
 Extra Funding To Help Vulnerable People Apply For EU Settlement Scheme

Extra Funding To Help Vulnerable People Apply For EU Settlement Scheme

The Home Office announced on 6 March 2020 that a further £8 million funding would be made available to help vulnerable EU citizens apply to the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS).

To date there have been more than 3.2 million applications to the EUSS and nearly 2.9 granted status. The deadline for applications is the 20 June 2021, and the government has made it clear that those who have not applied before, will be “unlawfully present”. This has raised concerns by various charities who have been helping vulnerable people apply to the scheme.

A letter from the EU Justice Sub-Committee has raised concerns that children in care and other vulnerable groups face barriers when applying for the right to stay in the UK post Brexit.

Addressed to MP Kevin Foster, the letter highlights the success of the EUSS, but also raised the concern “for those with less straightforward lives, including some of the most vulnerable in our society”.

The announcement on Friday means that the further funding will ensure important information continues to get through to those hardest to reach.

Minister for Future Borders and Immigration Kevin Foster said:

“EU citizens are an integral part of our society, culture and community, and this is their home.

“Supporting vulnerable EU citizens and their families is at the forefront of our approach to the EU Settlement Scheme.

“This new funding means no stone will be left unturned in ensuring everyone gets the help they need.”

Local authorities and charities will be able to bid for this funding, that will help provide face-to-face, online and telephone support to vulnerable people.

In 2019 the Home Office awarded £9 million funding to 57 charities who have already helped thousands of vulnerable people. These 57 charities will have their funding extended to June enabling them to continue working whilst they bid for the new funding.

Natasha Harding

Having previously worked as a wedding photographer for 14 years, a change in family circumstances gave me a taste for family law, particularly in divorce, child custody and especially parental alienation.

I am now doing an LLM in Legal Practise with the aim to work within the legal industry, specialising in family law.

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