Councils have expressed fears that the legal costs of judicial reviews and appeals related to the Nationality and Immigration Act 2002 are spiralling out of control.
The news came as Southwark council said this week it had spent more than £60,000 on an appeal case brought by an asylum seeker who claimed that the accommodation she was provided with was inadequate. The eventual cost is expected to rise above £100,000.

It was also revealed that Westminster's social service department last year overspent on its budget for legal advice on issues relating to asylum seekers. The extra cost was born by the council's community care budget. Figures showing the extent of the overspend were not available as Housing Today went to press.

The fears were exacerbated as a source at the Local Government Association said there could be a spate of judicial reviews as the National Asylum Seekers Support Service moves to clear a backlog of 2000 claims from applicants who applied "in country".

Under new rules brought in earlier this year, NASS has no duty to provide support for claimants who failed to apply for asylum at their port of entry.

The responsibility to provide support could fall on councils, however, if applicants show they have special needs – such as mental or physical disabilities.

Large urban authorities are expecting a rise in the number of special needs assessments, which could then be challenged through judicial review by asylum seekers.

n Home Office minister Beverley Hughes was expected to announce the progress being made by NASS in establishing a network of 12 regional offices at a conference in Manchester on Thursday.

Source

Housing Today