"Everyone can play their part" - campaigning to end No Recourse to Public Funds

No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) is a government policy which prevents people from accessing the social security system and most forms of government support when they’re in need. More than 2 million people in the UK are deprived of a safety net because of this policy.

At Praxis, we hear from people with lived experience of NRPF every day. Beyond that, we saw how people wanted to find ways to organise, come together and fight for the justice that everyone deserves. That’s why we facilitate the NRPF Action Group, formed of campaigners working to put an end to the policy. In partnership with the group, we co-produced the ‘Living with Dignity” manifesto, where they outline how the policy creates devastating situations and why we need to see a safety net for all.

Since 2020, the group has been meeting weekly on and offline to educate themselves about NRPF and develop a full campaign plan to tackle the issues. With its wide ranging effects, the group has identified three focus areas that they are likely to focus on:

Gaining 30 hours of free nursery education for everyone affected
Free school meals regardless of the imigration status of parents
For the 10 year route to settlement to be reduced to 5 years for all migrants, and a reduction of the visa fees for those routes

Marking Human Rights Day

With these objectives in mind, on 9 December 2021, the group organised their first ever in-person event to mark Human Rights Day 2021. The event was both a celebration of human rights and an opportunity for conversation on how people who are denied access to public funds due to their immigration status are affected by NRPF. The group divided into teams for logistics, media and event content to co-lead on all of its aspects. If you’d like to see the event in pictures, you can do so on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

The event kicked off with a powerful speech from campaigner Becky, who emphasised the devastating consequences of NRPF, which traps individuals and entire families into cycles of poverty, pushes people into homelessness and leaves children hungry. Creative performances followed, including a moving song by four campaigners; and a poetry reading, featuring campaigner Vernal talking about the hostile environment, and campaigner Joseph on the importance of strength through unity of the Praxis support group GIANTS.

The panel discussion that followed, moderated by philanthropist, mother of four, and campaigner Esther , explored how being denied access to public funds impacts people’s lives, why the campaign was formed and possible avenues for organising around this damaging policy.

Praxis Youth Organiser Nish then spoke on behalf of campaign member Lisa about how the policy affects women and children, and the negative impact it has on survivors of domestic violence.

Speakers on the panel were also joined by Stephen Timms MP and Apsana Begum MP, who joined the panel to talk about their efforts to support people affected by NRPF by challenging it in the House of Commons.

The event concluded with a musical performance on the saxophone from campaigner Remi, and some moving songs from campaigner Carlton.

The event had powerful statements and discussion, and it was an amazing celebration of solidarity and support for everyone who is affected by NRPF. A few comments on the event from attendees:

“We should take the campaign to the House of Parliament and speak directly to Government MPs and lawmakers.”
“Everyone should have a roof over their head and access to education.”
“It was so good to be at an event led by people with NRPF and have two MPs to listen and take this forward.”
“I’ve learned that there are politicians helping the cause.”

Though unable to attend, the group also received numerous messages of support from other supporters and MPs, including Caroline Lucas MP, Baroness Lister of Burtersett, Bell Ribeiro-Addy MP, and Jeremy Corbyn MP.

Our other supporters for the cause include: South London Refugee Association, Together with Migrant Children, Project 17, Maternity Action, The Children’s Society and Citizens UK.

What’s next?

With their first event completed, the group is now setting its eyes on reflecting and evaluating and focusing on future actions. After seeing the enthusiastic support from Stephen Timms MP and Apsana Begum MP, they’re looking at communicating even further with MPs to raise awareness of the effects of NRPF in Parliament. They’ve also decided to upskill themselves in areas of media (photography, social media and videography) to come up with more creative ways to showcase the impact on those affected by NRPF.

Written by Action Group campaigners Olivia and Estelle in collaboration with Praxis

If you would like to get involved and stand with the campaigners fighting to end No Recourse to Public Funds, email your MP now.