The difference is that a returning British citizen is immediately entitled to go to work. He does not need to wait for the six months. There are no problems about working immediately he reaches this country. Therefore, if the gentleman from Kuwait comes here, he can use his undoubted talents to start work immediately. He is in quite a different situation from an asylum seeker who, of course, is not allowed to work until at least six months have passed in this country.
All claimants are subject to the habitual residence test when making application for benefits.
As I explained to the noble Lord, Lord Hylton, earlier, local authorities normally rely on housing benefit to defray a considerable part of the costs of their homelessness duty. Nevertheless, providing assistance under the homelessness legislation still involves them in expense. Were this amendment to be passed it would prevent our aligning entitlement under the homelessness legislation with entitlement to social security benefits and could result in an even greater cost to the local authorities. I understand the noble Earl's concern about the habitual residence test. My Lords, the Minister is putting words into my mouth.