UK Updates Funding Instructions for Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children (UASC) and Care Leavers for 2026-2027 Financia

Current rules

New funding instructions have been published for local authorities regarding the support and care of unaccompanied asylum seeking children (UASC) and those leaving care for the financial year 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027. Payments for each eligible UASC are set at a rate of £143 per child per night. Additional incentivised funding is available for transfers under the National Transfer Scheme (NTS): £8,000 for transfers completed within two working days (from 1 June 2026 to 30 September 2026) and £4,000 for transfers completed within five working days (from 1 April 2026 to 30 November 2026). These incentivised payments are in addition to the standard £143 per child per night funding. Exclusions apply to children granted British Citizenship or those receiving asylum support directly from the Home Office. Payments cease the day before a young person turns 18, or if a child is absent/missing for more than 28 consecutive days (unless hospitalised and the local authority remains responsible), or if placed in a Young Offenders Institute (YOI) for more than 28 days.

Overview

UK Visas and Immigration has issued updated funding instructions and submission sheets for local authorities for the 2026-2027 financial year, effective 1 April 2026. These instructions detail the conditions for claiming reimbursement for supporting Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children (UASC) and former UASC care leavers, introducing new incentive payments for timely transfers under the National Transfer Scheme and clarifying eligibility criteria.

What changed in the latest version

This updated guidance introduces new financial parameters and incentives for local authorities across the UK, directly impacting their reimbursement for the care of UASC and children leaving care. The specific incentivised funding for rapid National Transfer Scheme (NTS) placements means local authorities can receive substantial additional payments of either £8,000 or £4,000 per child if transfers are completed within two or five working days, respectively. This aims to encourage quicker transfers, potentially improving timely support for UASC, but also creates a new administrative incentive for local authorities to prioritise speed in NTS referrals. Additionally, the explicit exclusion of children granted British Citizenship or receiving other Home Office asylum support clarifies eligibility, preventing duplicate funding claims. Local authorities must adhere to the new monthly submission deadlines and ensure asylum claims are registered promptly to secure payments, with clear conditions for cessation of funding should children go missing or be placed in Young Offenders Institutes beyond specified periods.

Explained simply

Imagine local councils get money from the government to look after young people who have come to the UK alone, asking for safety. This new update tells the councils exactly how to ask for that money and how much they'll get for the year 2026-2027. It also gives them extra money if they help these young people find a new home very quickly, like a bonus for being fast. If they don't send their forms in on time each month, their money will be late.

Frequently asked

Version history

1. v7Amended 6 Oct 2026EffectiveCritical impact
   UK Updates Funding Instructions for Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children (UASC) and Care Leavers for 2026-2027 Financial Year

   The UK Home Office has issued new funding guidelines for local councils in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. These guidelines cover how they support and care for children who arrive in the UK alone seeking asylum (known as unaccompanied asylum-seeking children, or UASC) and young people who have left care. From 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027, councils will receive a standard payment of £143 per child per night for eligible UASC. There are also new incentives for moving children quickly under the National Transfer Scheme (NTS): councils will get an extra £8,000 if a child is moved within two working days (between 1 June 2026 and 30 September 2026), and £4,000 if moved within five working days (between 1 April 2026 and 30 November 2026). These new instructions replace the guidance from the 2025 to 2026 financial year.

Timeline

1. Announced

   24 Aug 2026

   UK Visas and Immigration has issued updated funding instructions and submission sheets for local authorities for the 2026-2027 financial year, effective 1 April 2026. These instructions detail the conditions for claiming reimbursement for supporting Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children (UASC) and former UASC care leavers, introducing new incentive payments for timely transfers under the National

2. Takes effect

   1 Apr 2026

   The Home Office will make funding available to local authorities in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland for supporting unaccompanied asylum-seeking children (UASC) during the financial year 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027. Payments for each eligible UASC will be at a rate of £143 per child per night. Additional incentivised funding of £8,000 is available for transfers made within two work