Government cuts support to asylum seekers

Allowances for some asylum seekers are to be cut. Single people aged over 25 arriving in the UK to seek refuge will receive £35.15 per week in subsistence payments instead of the present £42.16 from October 09. Donna Covey, Chief Executive of the Refugee Council said: “We are appalled that the government has moved to cut support to asylum seekers, who are some of the most vulnerable people in our society. Of course, these are hard times for everybody and no-one should receive preferential treatment. But asylum seekers who are destitute only receive 70% of income support as it is, and are not allowed to work. These changes mean they will receive a little over half of what the government says is the minimum people need to live on. “The number of asylum seekers to the UK has dropped dramatically in the last few years, and we must remember that many of these people have experienced torture, persecution and human rights abuses and most live in already deeply impoverished circumstances. Surely a more practical solution would be to allow those that can to work, and contribute to the growth of our economy, rather than penalising the poorest and most vulnerable?” The UK Border Agency says "The amount of cash support we pay based on the amount of income support paid to permanent residents of the United Kingdom by the Department for Work and Pensions. It takes into account the fact that, unlike permanent residents who receive income support, asylum applicants do not have to pay bills for essentials such as electricity, gas and water"

External Link: http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/asylum/support/cashsupport/currentsupportamounts/