Mr. Hilary SennTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if it is his policy that the value of toys and groceries given by charities to those seeking asylum should be deducted from benefits paid to such persons. [119919]
§ Mrs. RocheIn determining whether an applicant for support is eligible for support and if so what the appropriate level of support should be, the National Asylum Support Service will take into account substantial and continuing support to meet accommodation or other essential living needs being provided by charities (or any other body or person) to the asylum seeker. The Service will normally disregard one off or very small donations of groceries or other support.
Donations of toys whether from charities or any other source will not be taken into account.