FOI Request - NRPF and NOLB
Request 101003932938
1. Eligibility of individuals with NRPF for paid work experience Does your local authority permit individuals with No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) to access paid work experience funded through NOLB?
2. Recorded information supporting your position Please provide any recorded information that sets out or explains your local authority’s position, including (where applicable):
a) internal guidance
b) policy documents
c) eligibility criteria
d) correspondence with the Scottish Government
e) any other documents used to determine whether individuals with NRPF can access paid work experience under NOLB
3. Changes in policy or interpretation
If your local authority’s position on NRPF eligibility for paid work experience has changed at any point since the introduction of NOLB, please provide:
a) the date of the change
b) the recorded rationale for the change
c) any documents or correspondence that informed the change
Response 06-03-2026
1. NOLB Best Practice Guidance 2025/2026
Under the immigration rules, support from No One Left Behind for training for employment is not considered a public fund as set out in section 115 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 and at paragraph 6 of the Immigration Rules. However the eligibility to take up a paid placement or ERI would depend on the individual’s right to work status (this may be limited to specific job roles or industries) so it is not a straightforward eligibility. Employability Key Workers should carefully assess the statuses to ensure there are no relevant immigration-related restrictions. Further support on this should be sought from either the Scottish Refugee Council (Asylum Seekers only) or from the local immigration officer.
For more information please contact Scottish Government Employability Division
2. a) Internal guidance: Current Legislation is followed by Local Authorities. In Scotland, people with No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) are restricted from accessing most UK-wide welfare benefits and social housing under the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999. However, Scottish local authorities can provide support, including accommodation and financial assistance, to families with children and vulnerable adults under the Children (Scotland) Act 1995 and Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007.
• Scottish Specific Funding: While the Scottish Welfare Fund is restricted for NRPF individuals, the Scottish Government has introduced initiatives like the Specialist Information and Support Group (SISG) grant, which is not considered a "public fund" and can be used to help those with NRPF.
• Under Section 22 of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995, local authorities have a duty to provide assistance to families with children in need, including those with NRPF. Similarly, under the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968 and Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007, social services can support vulnerable adults.
b) Policy documents:
As above
c) Eligibility criteria:
As above
d) Correspondence with the Scottish Government: NOLB Best Practice Guidance 2025/2026. For more information please contact Scottish Governments Employability Division
e) Any other documents used to determine whether individuals with NRPF can access paid work experience under NOLB: As above
3. No