EXCLUSIVE

by Neil Millard

neil.millard@essnmedia.co.uk

Two thirds of children under the care of Croydon Council have arrived in the borough as unaccompanied asylum seekers.

The local authority looks after 1,150 children and 740 of them are classed as unaccompanied asylum seeking children (UASC).

Director of children's services at the council Dave Hill admits it is a "huge strain" on resources.

"There's no question it's a big figure," he said.

Many children have to be sent to foster parents around the south east - as there aren't enough in Croydon to cater for the demand.

But the youngsters remain under Croydon Council's control which means local social workers are having to do a lot of travelling to check up on their progress.

The Home Office gives the council a grant for each UASC to cover the cost of staffing, travel and care.

This means the Croydon taxpayer does not end up paying for the huge number of UASCs through their council tax.

But the situation still presents problems for the council.

Mr Hill explained: "There is a chronic shortage of social workers. So having the money isn't in itself a complete solution to the problem.

"If you had 300 kids in your care system rather than 1,200 it's obviously less of a logistical nightmare."

Foster carers across the south east have had to be called on by the council.

"We are often placing these children way outside Croydon," Mr Hill said.

"It doesn't really matter to them because they have got no linkage here.

"They are children who are often deeply traumatised in all sorts of ways and need our help."

Similar problems exist around Heathrow, Gatwick and Dover - with Croydon's high total of UASCs coming from the Home Office's Border and Immigration Agency being based here.

"We end up with a disproportionate amount because of Lunar House," Mr Hill said.

"It's the point of entry normally that causes the extra demand."

The high ranking council officer doesn't believe that those other children under the authority's care suffer, however.

"I don't think anybody loses out particularly," he said.

"I wouldn't want to give the impression that Croydon born-and-bred kids lose out in any way."

The Home Office classifies a UASC as anyone under 18 who has no relative or guardian in the country at the time they apply for asylum.

In 2007 independent auditors put the total number of UASCs nationally at 10,000.

It found then that 69 per cent of them make their asylum application in Croydon.

The council's Labour opposition leader Tony Newman says having the Home Office in Croydon is a blessing as well as a curse.

He said: "I'm aware of the issue and I'm aware they can be a huge pressure on the council if you have got to deal with them.

"The good news is we have got the Home Office in Croydon and that provides employment for a lot of people.

"But having the Home Office can bring with it other issues, and these vulnerable kids are one."

UASCs can rely on council support until they are 21, or 24 if they continue into higher education.