THE government is facing a council revolt over its “morally wrong” new policy of deporting non-British nationals for being homeless. 

The new policy, which came into force on December 1, makes rough sleeping grounds for refusal or cancellation of someone’s permission to stay in the country. 

Rights groups have widely criticised the new rule as “effectively criminalising migrant destitution.” 

Now the government is also facing a growing rebellion from local authorities over the policy. 

This week three London councils — Southwark, Haringey and Islington — announced that they will not collaborate with the new rule changes.  

Islington council, in north London, said the policy was “unfair,” “discriminatory” and “likely to play into the hands of exploitative landlords and employers.

“The success of our work depends on our ability to gain, nurture and maintain the trust of the rough sleepers we work with who are often very vulnerable, hesitant to seek help, and traumatised,” a spokesperson said.

“Trust is vital so people can tell us about issues like exploitation, modern slavery, abuse and other vulnerable people at risk.

“We will not compromise this by co-operating with discriminatory rules that make life harder for some of our very most vulnerable people.”

Haringey Cllr Emine Ibrahim said: “Now more than ever it is vital that as leaders, and as communities, we do all we can in our power to protect the most vulnerable. Many people sleeping rough have been exploited and faced unbelievable personal challenges. 

“As a council we work tirelessly to help those sleeping rough get off the streets and to find safety and stability. We will not be collaborating with the Home Office on this rule.”

Campaigners have blamed the government’s “no recourse to public funds” rule for forcing migrants onto the streets as it prevents them from accessing benefits and council housing. A recent rough sleeper count by Southwark Council found that half have no recourse to public funds, according to Cllr Helen Dennis.

She said: “It is inhumane and morally wrong to deport someone, simply for falling on hard times and losing their home. Most foreign nationals are here to work, quite legally, and we should be encouraging them to seek help and support, rather than pushing them away.”

Local councils have not yet been informed of their duties under the new policy, and are waiting further details. 

Homeless charity Shelter said it supported councils taking a stand against the “cruel” policy.

It comes as the Home Office faces a legal challenge over the new policy by Public Interest Law Centre (PILC).

A Government spokesperson said: “For the small minority of migrant rough sleepers who continue to refuse government and local authority support and repeatedly engage in persistent anti-social behaviour, the new immigration reforms mean they could lose their right to be in the UK. This would be a last resort measure and initially individuals would be asked to leave voluntarily with government support. In the event that they refuse, we may take the step to remove them.“The safety and security of modern slavery victims is also a top priority for this government, and the Victim Care Contract provides support to potential and confirmed victims of modern slavery who consent to support, including accommodation.”