Stand against the rough sleeping Immigration Rules

Homeless Link is calling for organisations and local authorities to make public their refusal to refer people under these rules. So far, almost 120 local authorities and homelessness organisations have joined our campaign. Contact us now if you would like to join them.

This new policy (outlined here) will drive people who are already vulnerable - including victims of modern slavery - away from the support they need and will hamper efforts to end rough sleeping. 

Government guidance places some limits on when the Rules should be applied, though these limitations are far from sufficient. The Guidance also highlights the central role the Home Office wants local authorities to play in implementing the Rules – including making proactive referrals.  

Homelessness organisations and local authorities across England are standing against these damaging Rules and in solidarity with non-UK nationals who need our support. In doing so, we are standing for a trauma-informed, support-led homelessness system, that is trusted by everyone who needs it.   

We are urging the Government to scrap these damaging new rules immediately. And we have signed a joint statement with other homelessness organisations.

We are urging local authorities to retain their focus on supporting people out of homelessness by pledging not to refer people to the Home Office under these damaging Rules. We call on homelessness organisations and local authorities to contact us to to join our campaign. 

What you can do: 

1. Contact us to join the campaign.  
2. Show your support by displaying your pledge badge on social media and your website.
3. Spread the word – use our briefing to talk to commissioners, MPs and local councillors.  

Pledge for local authorities

As a local authority dedicated to fighting homelessness, we stand against the new rough sleeping Immigration Rules. We pledge not to make referrals under the new Rules and to always endeavour to provide support-led solutions to anyone experiencing homelessness in our community.

There is a model council resolution you can use here.

Pledge for homelessness organisations

As an organisation dedicated to fighting homelessness, we stand against the new rough sleeping Immigration Rules. We pledge to do everything in our power to support those who need it, regardless of their immigration status.  

Supporters

Almost 120 local authorities and homelessness organisations have signed our #SupportDontDeport pledges. You can download a list of all organisations who have pledged support here.