Source · Select Committees · Home Affairs Committee
Recommendation 30
30
The subsistence allowance should be provided to any individual whose entitlement to section 95 support...
Conclusion
The subsistence allowance should be provided to any individual whose entitlement to section 95 support has been accepted from the time that entitlement is determined, whether or not they are then immediately able to move into dispersal accommodation. This allowance should be provided via the cashless ASPEN card system. We believe that there is no legal barrier to such payments, provided they relate to essential living needs, just because an individual remains in initial accommodation. If the Government takes the view, however, that this change would require amendment of the Asylum Support Regulations 2000, it should amend them as soon as possible. (Paragraph 124) 58 Home Office preparedness for COVID-19 (Coronavirus): institutional accommodation
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
Home Office preparedness for COVID-19 (coronavirus): institutional accommodation: 11 A standard cash allowance of £39.60 per week is provided to those living in “dispersal accommodation” (flats and houses) who are expected to meet all of their essential living by buying food and other necessary items in shops. Those receiving £39.60 a week are also entitled to accommodation, utilities and council tax paid and free access to healthcare and education for children. There are no plans to provide the full £39.60 payment to those living in other forms of accommodation, where food and other essential items are provided wholly or partly in kind. However, a decision has been made to provide a weekly sum of £8 to cover essential needs in respect of travel and clothing that are not currently being fully met. £8 is the amount factored into the £39.60 rate to meet these two needs.