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DoE orders "illegal watch"

01 September 1993

The multi-agency approach to immigration control has gathered pace, with the issue by the Department of the Environment of revised guidance for local housing authorities on its duties towards immigrants.

The guidance comes in the wake of a Court of Appeal decision in April 1993 declaring unlawful its advice to local authorities that everyone should be treated equally, regardless of their immigration status (see Statewatch 3:2 May-June 1993). The DoE refused to appeal to the House of Lords, in a decision which left many mystified and angry in the light of the department's argument in the Court of Appeal that the changes would have a damaging effect on race relations, and it has now advised authorities that they may seek proof of lawful status, and should pass on their suspicions to the Home Office. UNISON, representing local government workers, has resolved not to implement the guidance, which also includes requirements to cooperate with the Home Office in identifying asylum-seekers and advice on the new restricted housing provision for them under the Asylum and Immigration Appeals Act.