Asylum Seeker Support Campaign Response

Thank you to the many constituents who have recently go in touch with me regarding Aylum Seeker support.  

I understand that this is a very important issue and I am pleased that the Uk's long tradition of providing a place of safety for refugees. All claims for asylum are carefully considered and where it is found that individuals are in need of protection, asylum is given, with the ultimate aim of helping them to return home if it is safe to do so.  

Asylum seekers are allowed to work, in jobs on the Shortage Occupation List, if their claim has not been decided after 12 months through no fault of their own. The current policy on this strikes a balance between being equitable towards asylum seekers, while considering the rights and needs of our society as a whole, prioritising jobs for British citizens and those with leave to remain here, including refugees. The government is considering recent calls to change the current police and is reviewing the evidence available.  

Any asylum seeker who would otherwise be destitute provided with free accommodation, utility bills and council tax paid and a weekly cash allowance with extra money available for mothers and young children.  

From 15 June, the cash allowance was raised from £37.75 to £39.60, representing a rise of around 5 per cent. It is important to consider that this is significantly higher than general inflation which data showed was 0.8% in the 12 months to April 2020. Indeed, food inflation over the same period was 1.4%.  

I appreciate that there are concerns over this allowance figure. The methodology used for the cash allowance has been recognised by the Courts as rational and lawful. It is also important to factor in that NHS healthcare and education for children is provided free of charge.  

You can see details on this on the link below: 

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/report-on-review-of-cash-allowance-paid-to-asylum-seekers 

If you would like to discuss this further or any other matter, then please do not hesitate to contact me.  

cherilyn.mackrory.mp@parliament.uk