Just a few hours after a controversial decision to stop funding bed and board for asylum seekers whose applications have been rejected was leaked, junior justice minister Erik van der Burg has reversed his decision.

The cancellation of the programme, which cost €30 million to run and has provided emergency housing for some 2,000 people since its launch in 2015, had caused consternation in both parliament and the five cities which operate the scheme.

The coalition agreement also included plans to expand the project nationwide. The aim is not only to keep people off the streets but to help them return to their country of origin.

Broadcaster NOS broke the news that the funding would stop earlier on Tuesday. However, by early evening Van der Burg had sent a briefing to parliament stating that he ‘still intends’ to implement the coalition agreement’s agreement for a nationwide network.

According to news agency ANP, the junior minister had come under pressure from coalition parties D66 and ChristenUnie to keep funding the programme.

ChristenUnie MP Don Ceder welcomed the change of heart and the commitment to ‘decent care’. MPs are due to discuss this and other issues relating to refugee accommodation later on Wednesday.