Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what her policy is on the provision of Government support to victims of modern slavery after a decision has been made on their status.

The National Referral Mechanism (NRM) is the process by which the UK identifies and supports victims of modern slavery, with support being delivered through the specialist Modern Slavery Victim Care Contract (MSVCC) in England and Wales, the asylum system, local authorities and other mainstream services.

The MSVCC, which went live on 4 January 2021, builds on the wide-ranging support provided through the previous Victim Care Contract to deliver a service that is needs-based and better aligned to the requirements of individual victims. It provides accommodation, financial support payments, translation and interpretation, transport and access to a support worker for those who are identified as a potential victim, having received a positive Reasonable Grounds decision from the Single Competent Authority.

Support continues until the individual receives a Conclusive Grounds (CG) decision. If a victim receives a positive CG decision, they will receive a minimum of 45 calendar days of 'move on' support. The Recovery Needs Assessment (RNA) takes place shortly after a positive CG decision to ensure that ongoing support after this period is tailored to the individual recovery needs of the confirmed victim. The RNA informs a tailored move-on plan, with the aim of establishing longer-term stability by helping victims to transition out of MSVCC support and back into a community, as appropriate. The MSVCC has also introduced a number of new services, including the ‘reach-in’ service, which is available to all confirmed victims to help support a smooth and sustainable transition after exit from MSVCC support.

If an individual receives a negative CG decision, they will receive nine working days of move-on support from date of receipt of the decision by the individual or the party acting on their behalf. An extension request may be made where an individual has received a negative decision and needs an additional period to become self-supporting or to transition into mainstream support.

In addition to this, the Government recognises the particular vulnerabilities of child victims of modern slavery, including trafficking.

Local authorities are responsible for the safeguarding and promotion of welfare of all children in their area, co-operating closely with police and other statutory agencies to offer child victims of modern slavery required protection and support. In addition, through Section 48 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015, the Government provides Independent Child Trafficking Guardians (ICTGs), an independent source of advice and support for all potentially trafficked children, irrespective of nationality. ICTGs are currently available in one third of local authorities in England and Wales. We are now progressing the national rollout of ICTGs as part of the NRM Transformation Programme.