I note from the Borders & Immigration (IND)website

http://www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk/lawandpolicy/refugeeintegration/integrationloan

that Integration Loans are to be introduced from 11.6.07. I haven't seen this reported elsewhere & wonder if anybody has any further information regarding whether IS backdating for refugees is about to be scrapped & how integration loans will work alongside Community Care Grants.

Julian

cheers julian ... we've also now highlighted in the news area ...

... re abolition of backdating, Home Office says -

'Q - Will there be a gap between the abolition of backpayments, and the introduction of the Integration Loan?

A - No, there will not be a gap.'

Is anyone out there in a position to challenge this? I thought the reason behind backdating for refugees was to comply with the 1951 Geneva Convention http://www.unhcr.org/protect/PROTECTION/3b66c2aa10.pdf

Article 24: "States shall accord to refugees lawfully staying in their territory the same treatment as is accorded to nationals in respect of social security..."

the reasoning being that if a person is recognised as a refugee, this takes effect from the date they claimed asylum, so they should be retrospectively entitled to the same level of benefit as UK nationals, rather than the old reduced rate of Income Support and subsequently NASS at lower rates than Income Support.

I would hope that the abolition of backdating may be open to judicial review. Any thoughts?

regs out today .. !

(see rightsnet news)