HC Deb 18 July 1994 vol 247 cc53-4W
Mr. Pickthall

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what level of benefit assistance is given to Bosnian refugees on arrival in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Burt

Bosnian refugees admitted to the United Kingdom who are not being looked after in reception centres are entitled to the full rate of income support subject to the normal rules of entitlement. People who seek asylum at a port of entry to the United Kingdom can receive income support at a reduced rate—90 per cent. of their appropriate personal allowance—while their application for refugee status is being processed by the relevant authorities. Both groups can receive housing benefit, which can meet up to 100 per cent. of reasonable housing costs, if they are liable to pay rent for their home.

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