I am pleased that the UK has a proud history of granting asylum to those who need our protection. Likewise, I am pleased with BANES leading the way to housing Syrian refugees – they have worked tirelessly on asylum cases and have a track record of helping to unite families. Asylum seekers in the UK who are destitute are provided with an essential living allowance and free accommodation, are exempt from paying utility bills and Council Tax, and have access to free healthcare and schooling. Other exceptional needs may also be covered by cash payments.
While it is important to be mindful of the cost to the taxpayer, I am aware that the Home Office periodically reviews cash payments to ensure they continue to meet essential living needs. The most recent review of the level of support was based on data from the Office for National Statistics about household expenditure for low income groups, adjusted where necessary to take into account the particular circumstances of asylum seekers and the size and composition of households. In addition, research was undertaken into the actual costs of particular essential items, including the cost of food stuffs, clothing, toiletries, household cleaning stuffs and non-prescription medication, as well as travel and communications.
Following this review, the amount someone claiming asylum support has changed to £36.95 per week for each person in the household. Based on the available evidence, and the Government's own research, asylum support payments provided to larger household groups comfortably exceeded what is necessary to meet essential living needs. The revised rates which have come into operation are still very much sufficient to meet those needs.