Thank you for contacting me about support for asylum seekers.
 
I am pleased that the UK has a proud history of granting asylum to those who need our protection. Asylum seekers in the UK who are destitute are provided with an essential living allowance and free accommodation, are exempt from paying utility bills and Council Tax, and have access to free healthcare and schooling. Other exceptional needs may also be covered by cash payments.
 
While it is important to be mindful of the cost to the taxpayer, I am aware that the Home Office periodically reviews cash payments to ensure they continue to meet essential living needs. Reviews of the level of support is based on data from the Office for National Statistics about household expenditure for low income groups, adjusted where necessary to take into account the particular circumstances of asylum seekers and the size and composition of households. In addition, research is undertaken into the actual costs of particular essential items, including the cost of food stuffs, clothing, toiletries, household cleaning stuffs and non-prescription medication, as well as travel and communications.
 
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.