UK to Introduce Annual Cap on Refugees to Ease Strain on Housing and Public Services

An annual cap on the number of refugees allowed into the UK will be implemented in order to alleviate pressure on housing and public services. The cap will be based on the capacity reported by local councils, who are responsible for providing homes and support to refugees.

Illegal Arrivals Straining Resources

Immigration minister Robert Jenrick highlighted the burden caused by individuals making illegal and dangerous small boat crossings, which is placing immense strain on housing and services across the country. In response, the government plans to introduce a cap on safe and legal routes, taking into account the capacity of local authorities.

Jenrick stated, "This will ensure that we do not take more refugees than our public services and communities can handle, and that the refugees we do accept can receive proper support and integration."

Implementation and Exclusions

The cap is set to take effect from January 2025 and will be reviewed annually, with adjustments made in response to humanitarian crises. However, refugees relocating from Ukraine, Afghanistan, and Hong Kong under specific schemes will not be included in the cap.

Concerns Raised by Campaigners

Some campaigners have criticized the government, accusing it of shifting responsibility onto underfunded councils to justify limiting the number of refugees. Enver Solomon from the Refugee Council argued that there are currently insufficient safe routes for those facing persecution and terror to reach the UK.

A recent report by the Policy Exchange suggested implementing a cap only when illegal arrivals fall below 10,000 per year.