campaigns > cuts to services

Devastating cuts to refugee advice services

Government funding for asylum advice is to be cut by over 60% in April, with advice for people given refugee status ending entirely, later this year.

Our advice helps refugees find jobs and training, and build new lives in the UK. The cuts will force us to close several offices, leaving people who need help with nowhere to turn: People like Paul, who fled violence in Zimbabwe, and whose family were destitute when they turned to us for help:

"We were stopping with a friend - nine of us in one house. It was so hard for me as I couldn't work and I had been refused asylum. We had no support. Refugee Action applied to Section 4 for us for support. They also referred us to the Refugee Legal Centre to make a fresh claim for us.”

Together with other refugee agencies who are affected by the cuts (Refugee Council, Scottish Refugee Council, Welsh Refugee Council and North of England Refugee Service), we have told the Immigration Minister that the cuts will have a devastating impact on the vulnerable people who use our services. The Minister has responded that the cuts will go ahead as planned, but we will face no further cuts for the next two years.

Despite the cuts, we will continue to advise those seeking sanctuary, as best we can, during this very difficult time. We will also continue to try and push the government for changes to the asylum system, which would make the process fairer and ensure people receive the legal advice they need.

Read our cuts FAQ for more detailed info on what is being cut and the effect this will have.

Read our press release

What you can do

Refugee Action has joined the Justice for All campaign, against cuts to legal aid and independent advice. Other organisations involved include Citizens Advice, Advice UK and Shelter. We feel the best way to challenge the cuts is for as many organisations, MPs and members of the public to work together to present a full picture of the impacts.

Please join the campaign now!

We promise to keep you updated on changes we are making in response to the cuts, and on Justice for All campaign actions and events. We will also let you know how you can help us raise funds to continue to help the people we work with.