Access to public services

Despite the substantial tax revenue generated by immigration to the UK, many migrants have only limited entitlement to free public services and mainstream benefits. Contrary to popular perception, migrants often find themselves struggling to access even those services that they are entitled to access. In order to extend the UK Border Agency’s capacity to monitor and control migration at local level, new partnerships are being developed between the UKBA Border Agency and public service providers. These enforcement partnerships threaten to develop widespread suspicion around migrants’ entitlements to state support in the UK.

We have variously worked with Primary Care Trusts, housing charities and government representatives in order to debate the issues around migrants’ access to public services. On specific issues such as the threat to reduce migrants’ free access to healthcare in the UK, we have been involved in coordinated campaigning to ensure that migrants’ fundamental rights are protected. We are not currently running any specific projects in this area at the moment.

Contacts: Don Flynn, Ruth Grove-White