High Court judge grants permission for judicial review challenge over refusal to accommodate asylum seeker during COVID-19

The High Court has granted permission for a judicial review of Brighton and Hove City Council's refusal to accommodate a street homeless former asylum seeker during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Barristers’ chambers 4-5 Gray’s Inn Square said the claim centred around whether former asylum seekers and those with no recourse to public funds are eligible for assistance under the Government's 'get everyone in' scheme.

The scheme requires local authorities to accommodate all those who are street homeless during the pandemic for public health reasons.

“The question of whether homeless people can be excluded on the basis of their immigration status is a matter of general public importance which is expected to be resolved in the proceedings,” the set said. 

Josh Hitchens of 4-5 Gray’s Inn Square is acting for the claimant, instructed by Joanne Bennett at Lawstop Solicitors.