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Burnham steps back from past calls to end immigration benefits restriction

The Guardian UK Thursday 28 May 2026, 13:59 UTC By Peter Walker Senior political correspondent 1 min read
Key Points

Andy Burnham has reversed his previous calls for ministers to abolish the 'no recourse to public funds' (NRPF) policy. This rule, in place since 1999, prevents migrants from accessing benefits or public housing before obtaining settled status. The shift in stance comes amid increased scrutiny of his policy positions during the Makerfield byelection.

Labour’s Makerfield byelection candidate understood to have changed stance on no recourse to public funds policy

Andy Burnham has rolled back from his previous calls for ministers to scrap a restriction on immigrants claiming benefits as the Makerfield byelection places greater scrutiny on his policy positions.

As Greater Manchester mayor, Burnham has called several times for an end to the rule known as no recourse to public funds (NRPF), which since 1999 has prevented people moving to the UK getting access to benefits or public housing before they are granted settled status.

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Originally published by The Guardian UK Read original →

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