Published: 6th February 2020 New hub to support EU Settlement Scheme applications PLP has recently established a second-tier public law support hub for frontline organisations assisting vulnerable and disadvantaged applicants to the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS). If you work for an organisation offering assistance to vulnerable and disadvantaged EUSS applicants, we would love to hear from you. About the hub Our goal is to ensure that the EUSS operates fairly and lawfully, promotes access to justice and protects the interests of marginalised groups. In order to achieve these objectives, with funding from the Transition Advice Fund, PLP has established a second-tier public law support hub. Through the hub, PLP is supporting frontline organisations in identifying unlawfulness in the operation of the scheme and acting on such unlawfulness where it is identified. Casework For example, in 2018, PLP acted for the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants (JCWI) in a challenge to Home Office rules intended to prevent ‘unsuitable’ people from being granted settled status. The practical effect of those rules would have been to reject – and ultimately remove from the UK – applicants who had received removal notices for not exercising treaty rights, which could be evidenced by something as minor as not having health insurance. Following JCWI’s challenge, the Home Secretary addressed our client’s key concerns, introduced a new proportionality requirement and confirmed that it would not refuse EUSS applications on the basis of non-exercise of treaty rights alone. Areas of focus PLP’s work on the scheme presently has five focus areas: Automated decision-makingMental capacityPrisoners and detaineesSuitabilityDerivative rights, retained rights, Surinder Singh and third-country nationals Get in touch If you would like to talk with someone at PLP about how being part of the hub could help your organisation, please email Specialist Support Hub Lawyer Aoife O’Reilly