§ Mr. GaleTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will require payments to asylum seekers to be made through benefit offices rather than through social services offices. [23773]
§ Mr. Keith BradleyThose asylum seekers who are eligible to claim Income Support, Jobseeker's Allowance (Income Based), Housing Benefit and Council Tax, are paid through the Benefits Agency's network of local offices and through local authorities.
The Courts have ruled that local authority social services departments have a duty to support and accommodate destitute asylum seekers under the National Assistance Act 1948. Decisions about the provision of personal social services are the responsibility of local authority social services departments.
We are committed to reviewing all aspects of arrangements for asylum seekers, including the provision of accommodation and support. The review will set the direction for the future. In the meantime, the current mix of social security benefits and social services support will continue to ensure that no asylum seeker needs to be left destitute.