The government has denied claims that asylum seekers who choose to live with friends and family will have their financial assistance withdrawn under the new cash scheme to replace vouchers from April.
Under proposals outlined in last month's Home Office white paper (News, page 6, 14 February), asylum seekers selected to live in one of four new accommodation centres will be expected to take up a place or forfeit any government help, as will those who signed up for the dispersal system. But concerns that the system will require the 20,000 asylum seekers living with friends and family to move into government-run accommodation in order to receive money have been rejected.
A Home Office spokesperson said: "If asylum seekers can provide a name and address for the person they are staying with, and we are satisfied that they will not abscond, then they can stay there and claim cash."
Home Office 'work-to-eat' scheme dealt a blow by charity's withdrawal
09 June 2005
Benefits plan may breach convention
20 January 2005
Readers' views
11 March 2004
'Measures may put children on streets'
04 March 2004
Iceland banking crisis: the impact on social care
Adult care complaints system needs to improve, finds NAO
Details of government consultations
02 October 2008
Private Member Bills
25 July 2008
Government Legislation
25 July 2008
