§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans the Government have to pilot the payments in kind benefit system for asylum seekers; and what minimum standards will apply. [74755]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienNo decisions have yet been taken on which aspects of the new support arrangements for asylum seekers it might be possible to pilot. However, we will be monitoring closely the non-statutory interim arrangements for dispersing asylum seekers which are being set up by the local government associations. There will be a statutory requirement that accommodation32W provided must be adequate for the needs of the asylum seeker and his dependants, if any, and that essential living needs should be met.