A-Z of Council Services

Provision of temporary accommodation and benefits for asylum seekers i.e. those waiting for an application for refugee status to be assessed by the government.

When an applicant from abroad comes to live in the United Kingdom, the Immigration Authority will ask the Council to provide evidence that the house where the applicant will stay is suitable accommodation, which means that it is fit to live in and not overcrowded. A housing inspection can be requested by completing the application form.

Online services: Download an immigration entry clearance inspection request form

Additional information: Asylum seekers are not entitled to apply as homeless or go onto the Councils waiting list for housing until their claim for asylum has been dealt with by the Home Office, and they are given leave to remain in the country. In some circumstances, an asylum seeker may be referred to Social Services (!) who may have a statutory responsibility to offer assistance to asylum seekers under the National Assistance Act of 1948. Whilst asylum seekers are awaiting the outcome of their application, they are the responsibility of the National Asylum Support Service (NASS) (!).

Related services: Benefits

Email: housing@burnley.gov.uk

Telephone: 01282 425011

Fax: 01282 477266

Visit: Housing Unit

Address: Council Offices, Red Lion Street, Burnley, BB11 2AE

• Asylum Seekers Support