Understanding migrant destitution in your area: Checklist for local councillors

No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) is an immigration condition prohibiting access to the welfare safety net, including benefits and housing assistance. With the number of people subject to the NRPF condition more than doubling between 2020 and 2023, local authorities have found themselves under increasing pressure to juggle a ‘parallel welfare safety net’ for vulnerable, destitute people. COMPAS' Understanding Migrant Destitution in the UK study estimates that around 18,000 vulnerable people facing destitution were supported by local authorities in 2021/22. If local government is expected to play a vital role in supporting destitute, vulnerable people, how can local authorities provide better support that meets people’s needs and address broader strategic priorities such as ending child poverty and rough sleeping, improving public health, and tackling local inequalities? The following checklist provides practical steps to implement good practice within your local area.