Source · Select Committees · Work and Pensions Committee
Recommendation 8
8
Paragraph: 29
The levels of deprivation children in poverty endure as a result of their parents being...
Conclusion
The levels of deprivation children in poverty endure as a result of their parents being subject to the NRPF condition should not be allowed to dominate any childhood. Many parents will have NRPF for 10 years—much of a child’s formative years. Given that parents could be without access to child-related benefits and other forms of social security for 10 years, children, many of which are or become British citizens, may spend the majority of their childhood living in poverty, which will have a negative impact on their development and adulthood.
Paragraph Reference:
29
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
As stated in our response to your letter dated 26 January, there are no plans to shorten the maximum period of time spent subject to NRPF for families with children. Those migrating to the UK are generally expected to maintain and support themselves and any accompanying family without reliance on the UK’s welfare system. The requirement to be self-sufficient at the point of entry is a way of ensuring they are prepared for life in the UK, so that their own welfare is catered for, and finite taxpayer funded benefits are protected. The majority of those seeking permanent residence accept and adhere to these requirements and qualify for settlement after five years. Overall, the Government thinks it is right to distinguish them from those who require the additional support of public funds. This keeps the fundamental aims in sight and maintains fairness and confidence in our immigration system. We are aware that migrants with permission to stay in the UK for family reasons can encounter financial difficulty and for this reason we have provided for flexibility around the immediate impact on immigration status of accessing public funds.