Kurdish Development Association campaign against no recourse to public funds restrictions

That this House recognises the ‘no recourse to public funds’ restrictions placed on many forms of leave to remain in the UK are a source of significant financial hardship; appreciates that a great many people have been living, working and contributing economically, socially and culturally to life in the UK while being excluded from accessing any public funds; is concerned that these restrictions, which can be a cause of hardship at the best of times, are pushing people and families into destitution during the coronavirus crisis; acknowledges that people from all backgrounds have found their livelihoods and incomes under threat due to the coronavirus and not all of those affected have been able to access financial assistance through Government coronavirus support schemes; understands that this situation is particularly desperate for those subject to no recourse to public funds restrictions as they are also excluded from the social safety which would provide support such as housing benefit or universal credit; further recognises the work of the Kurdish Development Association, and in particular Shakha Sattar, for their work in highlighting these issues and campaigning for change; believes that it is essential everyone has access to a social safety net as a basic human right; and calls on the UK Government to immediately lift the ‘no recourse to public funds’ restrictions and ensure that everyone who needs support can access it during this crisis and the recovery that follows.