Source · Select Committees · Work and Pensions Committee
Recommendation 10
10
Paragraph: 35
Most of those who gave evidence were keen to see an end to the no...
Recommendation
Most of those who gave evidence were keen to see an end to the no recourse to public funds condition. But we think the Government is unlikely to change this policy and such a change could result in fewer people bring granted visas to the UK. As an alternative, we have concluded that it is both affordable and appropriate for the Government to extend Child Benefit to all British children irrespective of their parents’ immigration status. We recommend it does so as soon as possible.
Paragraph Reference:
35
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
British children, by which we mean a child born in the UK, where at least one parent is a British citizen or settled in the UK (such as holding indefinite leave to remain) at the time of the child’s birth, will generally have at least one parent who is eligible to claim public funds, which includes child benefit. Those without indefinite leave to remain, who have come to the UK to work or study, will have proven that they are able to maintain and support themselves, and their families, without accessing the UK’s welfare system, this includes any children born during their stay here. Those in the UK on the basis of their family, private life, where Article 8 of the ECHR is engaged, or under the Hong Kong BN(O) route, who may also have a child born in the UK, are able to apply to have their NRPF condition lifted if they are destitute or at risk of imminent destitution, if the welfare of their child is at risk due to their low income, or where there are other exceptional financial circumstances. Where circumstances change, and the welfare of a child is at risk, regardless of immigration status, local authorities can provide safety net support. The general expectation is, however, that those who can no longer financially support themselves and their families in the UK will return to their home country.