Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps she is taking to reduce the number of outstanding settled status applications ahead of the application deadline; and what steps she is taking to ensure that people with applications outstanding at that date (a) are protected from discrimination in (i) seeking work, (ii) renting accommodation and (iii) providing services and (b) retain full access to public services.

We are committed to ensuring our operational teams have the resources they need to run an efficient and effective system, and we actively monitor workflows to ensure sufficient resources are in place to meet demand. We currently have 1,500 UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) European Casework staff in post.

In line with the Withdrawal Agreement, the rights of someone who has made a valid application to the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) before the deadline of 30 June 2021 will be protected while the outcome of the application is pending. This includes any appeal against a decision to refuse status.

Someone who applies by 30 June 2021 and has not yet been granted status under the EUSS can continue to live their life in the UK as now, until their application is finally determined.

Employers and landlords should provide individuals with every opportunity to demonstrate their right to work and rent and should not discriminate on the basis of race or any of the other protected characteristics.

Legislation provides for a Code of Practice on avoiding unlawful discrimination at:

• https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/right-to-work-checkscode-of-practice-on-avoiding-discrimination
• https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/right-to-rent-landlords-code-of-practice

From 1 July, individuals who have made an in time application and are awaiting a decision on their application, will be able to utilise their Certificate of Application as proof of their right to work or rent when verified by Home Office status checking services.