§ Chris GraylingTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the total cost of benefits paid to people applying for asylum in the UK was in 2000–01. [23429]
§ Malcolm WicksFrom 3 April 2000 the Home Office is responsible for supporting and accommodating asylum seekers awaiting a determination of their case. Those asylum seekers in receipt of benefits prior to 3 April 2000 continue to be eligible to claim income support, income-based jobseeker's allowance, housing benefit and council tax benefit. Provisional estimates are that benefit totalling £185 million was paid to these asylum seekers during the financial year 2000–01.
§ Mr. CoxTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what is the estimated amount of money paid to asylum seekers by way of benefit in 2000. [17880]
§ Malcolm WicksFrom 3 April 2000 the Home Office is responsible for supporting and accommodating asylum seekers awaiting a determination of their case. Those asylum seekers in receipt of benefits prior to 3 April 2000 continue to be eligible to claim income support, income-based jobseeker's allowance, housing benefit and council tax benefit. Provisional estimates are that benefit totalling £215 million was paid to asylum seekers between 1 January and 31 December 2000.