Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps she is taking to ensure that destitute asylum seekers arriving in the UK are provided with (a) underwear, (b) shoes and (c) clothing.

The United Kingdom has a statutory obligation to provide destitute asylum seekers with accommodation and other support whilst their application for asylum is being considered.

The level of financial assistance provided to supported asylum seekers is reviewed by the Home Office annually. Following the completion of last year’s review in October 2020 it was decided people who have been found eligible to receive support under Section 95 or 4(2) of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, and who are accommodated in full-board facilities, including the sites, should receive a payment of £8 per week. This sum is intended to provide sufficient funds to cover the cost of buying items to meet clothing needs and pay for non-prescription medicines and any necessary travel.

For those in dispersed accommodation the standard package of support consists of accommodation and a cash allowance of £39.63 per week for each asylum seeker and any dependants in their household.