We are commissioned by Camden Council to provide street population services and our shared position is as follows: Neither Change Grow Live or Camden Council will be participating in the scheme and neither organisation will be providing personal data to the Home Office that could lead to the deportation of rough sleepers. To date, there have been no referrals made to the RSSS by Camden or by Change Grow Live.
Nothing is more important to us than the welfare, safety and rights of every person we support. We have not referred anyone to the Government Rough Sleeper Support Service (RSSS) and will not make a referral unless we have assurance of the processes and potential outcomes for each individual. Camden Council, which commissions our service, will continue to seek clarity on the boundaries and safeguards of the RSSS.
Please note the following:
- All support options available from Camden Routes off The Street for rough sleepers are delivered on the basis of consent.
- Camden and Change Grow Live do not support the new immigration rules which make rough sleeping a legal ground to cancel or refuse permission to stay in the UK.
- We only consider working with the Home Office where someone has asked us to do so and given their informed consent; for example to obtain settled status papers that they have lost. Change Grow Live or Camden do not share sensitive data with third parties unlawfully.
- Camden has an open robust dialogue with the MHCLG at the Home Office and will continue to seek clarities around the role of the RSSS, including the boundaries and safeguards in place.