§ Miss WiddecombeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what his Department's forecast is for the average cost of asylum support, expressed as a figure per asylum seeker, in the financial year 2000–01; and if he will make a statement. [152873]
§ Mrs. RocheAsylum seekers are currently supported either by payments under arrangements put in place following the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996 from the Department of Social Security, or by local authorities, or for newer applicants following the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, directly by the National Asylum Support Service (NASS). The costs of all three methods of support are met from the Home Office budget, subject, in the case of local authorities, to agreed unit cost limits. Based on current forecasts of cost and estimates of the average number of asylum seekers supported for the year,
595Wthe average forecast cost in 2000–01 of supporting an asylum seeker (ie an applicant for asylum or a dependant of one) who has requested support, is £6,100 for the whole year. These costs include accommodation or Housing Benefit where provided.