Closing Date 28th May 2026 

The UK Government has opened a consultation seeking views on reforming asylum support and the enforcement of family returns. The proposals made would significantly change the support available to asylum‑seeking families, raising major implications for children’s rights, in particular around welfare, safety, and the right to family life. 

The consultation outlines plans to reduce or withdraw financial and accommodation support from families whose asylum claims have been refused and who are judged to have “no genuine barrier” to leaving the UK. It also proposes a new framework for enforced family removals, including circumstances in which physical interventions may be used. From a children’s‑rights perspective, the proposals risk undermining key protections under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Removing support from families could increase destitution, instability, and barriers to accessing education, healthcare and safe housing, all of which directly affect children’s wellbeing. It would be unacceptable to introduce or support reforms that put children at greater risk of physical or mental harm, regardless of their own or their family's immigration status. The consultation also raises concerns about whether children’s best interests will be treated as a primary consideration when decisions are made about support withdrawal or removal processes. 

The document acknowledges that families are expected to leave the UK once all appeals are exhausted, but the reforms could place children at greater risk by prioritising enforcement over welfare. 

If you or your organisation plan on submitting a response, or you want to inform Together’s response as part of our Rights on Track campaign, please reach out to: myrights@togetherscotland.org.uk 

Access the consultation