Did anyone see the Sun article this morning re refugees applying for backdated IS within 28 days of getting asylum decision? You can look at it via the link below (disclaimer, I'm prety sure the link works today but don't know if they stay the same forever, so pease don't blame me if you get transported somewhere unsavoury.

They describe the provision as a 'loophole' despite the fact that Reg 21ZB IS Regs specifically allows this to happen. Some opposition muppet makes the comment that its disgraceful that 'we only find these things out via a Sun exclusive'... Presumably HMSO would have a comment about the 'exclusive tag and perhaps he should have kept a closer eye on what his own party did while they were in government as I understand that they introduced the similar, but less generous predecessor Reg 21ZA.

Quite alarming that the Home Secretary is intending to remove the 'loophole' as soon as possible - and equally hypocritical of him.

Government by tabloid anyone?

Link below

http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2-2004122133,00.html

joined up thinking ....

... inland revenue published a new statutory instrument today providing for backdating of Child Benefit on receipt of refugee status

(full story in rightsnet news tomorrow)

... and the sun the day after?

CPAG has issued a press release Knee jerk government decision to hit refugees at most vulnerable time

... in which it speaks out 'against the decision by the Government to stop the backdating of financial support for refugees in the UK.'

i'm wondering whether anyone has checked the Sun's story for accuracy or source. is a 'leak'enquiry called for?

jj