No recourse to public funds (NRPF) refers to destitute people from abroad who are subject to immigration control and have no entitlement to welfare benefits, Home Office support for asylum seekers or public housing.
All local authorities in the UK have a duty to advise people who have NRPF on their personal circumstances and to assist them in finding a solution to their destitution. In limited circumstances, councils can provide care services including accommodation and financial support if the eligibility criteria is met.
NRPF in Islington
Islington Council has developed a specialist team working with destitute people from abroad who have NRPF and are ordinarily resident in Islington. The NRPF Team works in partnership with children's social services and the community care and mental health teams in Islington. In addition, it works with the Primary Care Trust (PCT) and other outreach and specialist services. Contact can be made through these services or directly with the NRPF Team.
Services we provide
The NRPF team provides information to all destitute people from abroad with NRPF 'ordinarily resident' in Islington. This includes:
- explaining their situation and possible options
- practical and emotional support from qualified staff
- assistance in obtaining “Section 4” support from the UK Borders Agency (for refused asylum seekers who meet strict criteria) or from other sources of financial help
- referral and signposting to agencies that assist with voluntary return to country of origin
- help and advice on health care
- assistance in accessing other services, such as local schools and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes
- provision of information about local community organisations
Care Services
The team coordinates needs assessments and the provision of care services, by:
- conducting immigration checks
- referring individuals for community care and mental health assessments
- carrying out welfare benefit checks
- deciding on NRPF eligibility
- providing accommodation and financial or subsistence support
- overseeing budget control on NRPF services
- regularly reviewing cases
- monitoring council expenditure on NRPF
NRPF Team Contact Details
The NRPF service in Islington is centrally funded and organised through a team that works across various departments and agencies. It uses its specialist immigration knowledge to ensure a robust assessment of eligibility for service, whilst offering a unique and humane resolution-focused service for destitute people from abroad with NRPF.
No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) Team
Equalities, Refugee and Migrant Service
London Borough of Islington
Islington Town Hall
Upper Street
London
N1 2UD
Email: nrpf@islington.gov.uk
Tel: 020 7527 7107
Fax: 020 7527 7110
NRPF Outside of Islington
A number of other local authorities in the UK have now developed similar services to assist people who are destitute and have NRPF. If you are not resident in Islington but believe that you require advice or financial assistance due to having NRPF, you must contact the local council in the area in which you currently reside.
The NRPF Network
Islington has developed a national NRPF Network, which has been established under the auspices of the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services and the Association of Directors of Children's Services (ADASS/ADCS). The Network focuses on the statutory response to destitute people from abroad who have no recourse to public funds.
For further details click the link under Related Information, on the right-hand side of this page or call the NRPF Network on 020 7527 7121.