Refugee Action has responded to the Home Office’s announcement that it will increase the amount of support received by people seeking asylum from £36.95 per week to £37.75 per week.

This 80p increase is due to take effect from 5 February and is in response to a consultation in 2017.

Refugee Action responded to the consultation and argued that the cash allowance for people seeking sanctuary should be no less than 70% of mainstream benefits.

Mariam Kemple-Hardy, head of campaigns at Refugee Action, says:

“We acknowledge that the Government has responded to a consultation on the rate of asylum support by a small increase of 80p a week.

“But with soaring inflation and no increase to asylum support over the past three years, this should have gone much further – to at least 70% of mainstream benefits.

“More people seeking asylum are waiting longer for their asylum claim to be processed. During this time, which in some cases can be years, people are left unable to work and struggling to survive on just over £5.00 a day.

“This takes a tremendous toll on the wellbeing of people who have fled conflict and persecution. Expecting people to survive on so little is incompatible with a compassionate asylum system.”

Ends.

For more information and interviews contact the Refugee Action press office on 07771748 159 or email JennaP@refugee-action.org.uk.