Publisher's Synopsis
·What are the main housing problems encountered by refugees and how so housing workers in refugee community organisations try to resolve them? ·How much success are they having in changing the policy and practice of local authorities and other key agencies? ·To what extent is their work being frustrated by the national policy environment? There are among the key questions addressed in this new report, which explores the role of housing advice and development workers based in refugee community organisations. The authors outline the complex policy framework which defines the rights of refugees and asylum seekers, focusing specifically on the reduction in recent years of the housing and social security entitlements of asylum seekers. The use of case studies supported by The housing Associations Charitable Trust (HACT) draws out key policy and practice issues, in looking at how housing advice and development workers in four refugee community organisations have attempted to respond to this situation. The report concludes with clear recommendations for refugee community groups and for statutory agencies. It is essential reading for policy makers and practitioners, refugee community groups, housing officers and housing authorities, funders, and all those interested in housing provision in general.
