The National Government determines immigration status and whether or not an asylum application is accepted. The Home Office is responsible for managing the support needs of asylum seekers while a decision on their asylum claim is made. They are responsible for making a decision on your claim and providing you with accommodation and financial support while your claim is being decided.
If you have no other means of support, you will be provided with accommodation on a ‘no choice’ basis by one of the Government’s contracted accommodation providers. In Norwich, you will be provided accommodation by Serco and Cromwood.
Migrant Help is a national service, funded by the Government, providing free, independent advice and guidance to asylum seekers to help make claims for support and give general advice about the asylum process. Please contact Migrant Help if you have any problems with your asylum accommodation, and they will liaise with the provider on your behalf or call 0808 8010 503. Calls are free, open 24/7/365 and accessible to all asylum seekers in the UK.
If you have been granted refugee status, discretionary leave or humanitarian protection you will have similar rights to UK citizens and will be able to access services with Norwich City Council, unless you have been granted discretionary leave with no recourse to public funds.
To access core services, you will need your asylum decision letter and/or Biometric residence permit (BRP) if you have received it. What is a BRP - If you have not received it contact the Home Office or Migrant Help if there are any issues with your BRP. You must be aware of the time limits to change any incorrect details on your BRP card.
If you have received refugee status (or some form of Leave to Remain), you will be required to leave your asylum accommodation. You should receive 28 days’ notice before you are required to leave, from the date you receive your BRP card. You will receive a letter from Serco advising you of the date you need to leave. You should receive a call from Migrant Help, who will refer you for positive move on support.
The People from Abroad Team are a team at Norfolk County Council that can provide positive move-on support and signpost you to other agencies within Norwich. If your support is allocated to the People from Abroad Team, they will contact you, or find out how to get support at Norfolk County Council.
Reed in Partnership is another agency that can provide positive move-on support and signpost to other agencies within Norwich. If your support is allocated to Reed in Partnership, they will contact you.
If you have been in contact with a positive move-on support provider, they may refer you to our Housing Advice Team, who will contact you to provide help and advice regarding housing. They may also refer you to other agencies in Norwich for support with benefits, education or other emergency assistance. You do not have to wait until you have received your notice to leave your accommodation from Serco to receive assistance from the Norwich City Council Housing Advice team, but you must have received your refugee status.
If you have had a negative decision on your asylum claim, then you will also be expected to leave your accommodation and your financial support will stop. It is important you seek specialist support to help you consider your options. Please note, the council cannot assist you with finding accommodation in this instance. Please contact the People from Abroad Team, who may be able to assist you.
Ukrainian Crisis
Please also note that the council operates a Homes for Ukraine scheme.
Other Schemes
Resettlement of refugees is organised through different government funded schemes and overseen by the Home Office.
We work with the Home Office and Norfolk County Council to resettle refugees through the following schemes:
