Permission granted in asylum support systemic challenge

On 20 November 2019 the High Court (Michael Kent QC sitting as Deputy) granted permission to pursue a claim for judicial review challenging the system operated by the Secretary of State for the Home Department for the provision of asylum support, notably accommodation, for failed asylum seekers pursuant to s.4 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999.

The four Claimants are failed asylum seekers whom the Defendant has formally decided are entitled to accommodation under s.4. However, in each case there has been a long delay by the Defendant in actually providing the accommodation. On this basis, and supported by evidence from various NGOs in the sector about serious delays in the provision of accommodation, the Claimants argue that the Defendant's system is incompatible with human rights legislation (notably Articles 3 and 8 ECHR) as well as common law requirements.

Katherine Barnes acts for the Claimants (led by Alex Goodman at Landmark Chambers), instructed by Polly Glynn of Deighton Pierce Glynn.