ASYLUM SEEKER SUPPORT

Early day motion 890, tabled 22 February 2010 by Diane Abbott (Labour). Signed by 44 members.

That this House is concerned at the low level of support provided for asylum seekers; notes that the current level is below subsistence; further notes that a single 25-year-old adult seeking asylum receives £35.13 a week which is 55 per cent. of income support and which equates to just £5 per day; is further concerned at the level of destitution faced by asylum seekers as a result of this low level of support; believes that this policy drives asylum seekers into social exclusion rather than alleviates them from it; recognises that this is a punitive measure and not a form of welfare designed to allow asylum seekers adequately to subsist during an application; and urges the Government to consider raising the asylum support subsistence payment to a minimum of £45 a week, representing 70 per cent. of income support, for single adults.

Signatures by party: Labour 29, Liberal Democrat 7, Independent 2, Social Democratic and Labour Party 2, Conservative 1, Independent Labour 1, Respect 1, Scottish National Party 1.