Voucher scheme to be scrapped early, home secretary announces

Home secretary David Blunkett has brought forward plans to
abolish the asylum seeker voucher scheme from the autumn to April
8. Vouchers will be replaced with a cash system, he told parliament
this week.

But asylum seekers who choose to live with friends and family
while their application is processed will not be eligible for any
state support or benefits. To qualify for support applicants must
agree to live in government-approved accommodation and enter the
dispersal system.