An asylum seeker is someone who comes to the UK, often fleeing persecution, torture or war, and applies for refugee status. Until refugee status is granted, such a person remains an asylum seeker. Asylum seekers often encounter homelessness and face difficulty in obtaining accommodation.
The Immigration and Asylum Act of 1999, means that asylum seekers that arrive after April 2000 no longer have a right to assistance and do not have to be provided for by the council. Instead, the Home Office provides support through the National Asylum Support Service (NASS). Bolton Council, as part of the North West Consortium (Greater Manchester Councils) provides accommodation and support for households at the request of NASS.
A refugee is someone who has entered the country who has been given refugee status or leave to remain following a successful application for asylum and would then apply for council services in the same way as any other citizen of the borough.