Asylum scheme to include Scotland

Scotland is to participate in a scheme aimed at relieving pressure on local councils caring for unaccompanied asylum-seeking children.

Under new legislation the National Transfer Scheme (NTS), which allows hardpressed local authorities to transfer children to councils with greater capacity, will be extended to include Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Immigration Minister Brandon Lewis said that he hoped local authorities across the United Kingdom would continue to “play their part” in providing protection for the thousands of children who need help each year.

Mr Lewis said: “The National Transfer Scheme is essential in ensuring all unaccompanied asylum-seeking children in the care of local authorities get the support they need.

“I am delighted that so many local authorities have already expressed their interest in getting involved. By bringing forward this legislation we will have a truly national scheme. I hope that going forward, local authorities from all across the UK will volunteer to play their part in providing protection for the thousands of children who need our help each year.”