Publisher's Synopsis
The allocation of housing plays a crucial role in the capacity of refugees and asylum seekers to settle effectively in their host country. Managing to survive is the first in-depth, nationally-based study of social housing provision for asylum seekers and refugees since the major policy changes introduced by the 1996 legislation. Based on care studies in Birmingham, Manchester and London, the authors examine the differing frameworks of housing service provision, support agencies, local authority policies and community networks in these areas. They also review the significance of partnerships between service and support providers. Managing to survive: · provides information about the needs of this group and the context of their housing needs; documents existing good practice; recommends ways in which this practice might be developed further on partnership with the needs and aspirations of consumers. In focusing on housing, the authors review the chaotic impact on asylum seekers and refugees of the welfare disentitlement legislation and policies, implemented by the previous government. They also anticipate the likely impact of the present government's review of policy on the 1999 Asylum and Immigration Act. This work provides a valuable contribution to the work of many practitioners and advocated whose aim is to improve the position of the thousands of people arriving in the UK seeking a place of refuge and who depend on the continuing assistance and support of these practitioners and advocates. Managing to survive is essential reading for housing associations, academics, and local government departments working in this field, as well as for community and welfare agencies.
