Summary of Local Authority Duties
In summary, local authorities' duties to asylum seekers are the same as to the rest of the population in the following circumstances:
- Where the need arises otherwise than solely from destitution (for more information on specific provisions see 'interface between Children (Scotland) Act 1995 and Immigration and Asylum legislation' doc and relevant section in this document above);
- Where the duty relied on has nothing to do with providing food and shelter, for example child protection, 'looked after' children;
- Where the applicant is an unaccompanied minor. Local authorities in the area where they claim asylum are obliged to look after young unaccompanied asylum seekers.
The duties owed to them are the same as those owed to any other children. They are not covered by the NASS scheme and are not dispersed. For details about how applications from children are dealt with see young unaccompanied asylum seekers and interviews.

