Asylum Seekers

The Council has a statutory responsibility to offer assistance to asylum seekers under the National Assistance Act of 1948. We have a duty to provide accommodation and benefits to asylum seekers whilst they await the outcome of their case with the Home Office.

However, following changes in the law due to the Immigration and Asylum Act of 1999, asylum seekers that arrive after April 2000 no longer have a right to assistance and do not have to be provided for by the Council. Instead, the Home Office provides support through the National Asylum Support Service ( NASS ).

We administer the various benefits asylum seekers and others are entitled to, and will also make provisions for temporary accommodation.

The council is part of the North West consortium dealing with the dispersal of asylum seekers. The Council will play an active part in the consortium to ensure that asylum seekers are appropriately housed in the North West region.

For more information on the Council's role, phone Paul Simpson in Housing, Regeneration, The Council, The Forum, Chester, CH1 2HS on 01244-402586, or email: housing@chester.gov.uk

Useful Links

• Asylum Aid (external link)
• Asylum Support (external link)
• Refugee Council (external link)