Child refugee scheme set for UK-wide expansion

The government said it has introduced legislation for a UK-wide extension of the voluntary national transfer scheme, which launched in July 2016 in England to relieve pressure on areas with high numbers of UASC, including "gateway authorities" such as Kent County Council.

Once passed, councils across Scotland and Wales, and Health and Social Care Trusts in Northern Ireland will be able to participate in the scheme.

Since the scheme was introduced more than 550 children have been transferred between English councils, however, a number of local authorities have withdrawn from it amid criticism of the level of funding the Home Office is making available for those taking part.

During the summer Nottinghamshire County Council withdrew, citing the high cost of taking part. Three other councils in the East Midlands, Derby City, Leicestershire and Lincolnshire, have also pulled out due to the costs involved.

And in January Dorset County Council announced it was pulling out of the scheme, citing an estimated £3.6m shortfall in government contributions.

A study in the East Midlands in August found that councils taking part face an average shortfall in funding of £25,000 for every child they support. It said the average cost of supporting each child amounted to £55,194, of which the Home Office only reimburses £30,231.

Immigration minister Brandon Lewis said that the transfer scheme is essential to ensure all UASC children in the care of councils get the support they need.

"I am delighted that so many local authorities have already expressed their interest in getting involved. By bringing forward this legislation we will have a truly national scheme," Lewis said.

"I hope that going forward, local authorities from all across the UK will volunteer to play their part in providing protection for the thousands of children who need our help each year."