Lewisham Council is urging the Government to allow stuggling migrant families access to vital benefits, weeks after Boris Johnson admitted he wasn’t aware of the issue.

Many migrants, including key workers, have a 'no recourse to public funds' (NRPF) condition attached to their immigration status, meaning families, including children, are excluded from welfare. 

The Prime Minister hinted at a review of the policy after it was brought to his attention during a Parliamentary committee in late May, to his surprise, only to apparently dimiss a rethink one week later. 

Councillor Kevin Bonavia, Cabinet Member for Democracy, Refugees and Accountability, said: “As a Council we are working incredibly hard to support residents with NRPF affected by the pandemic, including housing rough sleepers with NRPF.

"However, demand for our services by people with NRPF is rising and the Government does not fund local authorities to support them.

"Temporarily suspending the NRPF condition would enable us to continue to focus on critical services and support the most vulnerable in our community."

The Council is further calling on the Government to 'lift the ban' preventing asylum seekers from working while their cases are decided.

Councillor Bonavia continued: “We also know that people seeking asylum want to be able to work so that they can use their skills and make the most of their potential, integrate into their communities, and provide for themselves and their families.

"Restrictions on right to work can lead to extremely poor mental health outcomes, and a waste of potentially invaluable talents and skills both for the economy of Lewisham and the UK.

"That is why we are supporting the “Lift The Ban” campaign to allow people seeking asylum to work.”

Labour MP Stephen Timms asked Mr Johnson about the 'no recourse to public funds' issue at a committee hearing on May 27. 

He said many families were “being forced by the current arrangements into destitution”. 

Mr Johnson appeared confused and asked: “Why aren’t they eligible for Universal Credit, or ESA or any of the other benefits?”

Mr Timms explained that “no recourse to public funds” was “a condition that’s attached to their leave of remain”.

The PM later clarified that migrants may be eligible for coronavirus job retention scheme funds or self-employed income support scheme funds.

He added: “Indeed, if they have paid into the benefit system, they may be eligible also for certain benefits.”

There has been no suggestion the policy on NRPF will change.