HL Deb 07 April 2003 vol 647 c8WA
Baroness Hilton of Eggardon

asked Her Majesty's Government:

When the new levels of support to be provided by the National Asylum Support Service to destitute asylum seekers will come into effect. [HL2455]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Home Office (Lord Filkin)

Regulations were laid before Parliament on 18 March 2003 amending the Asylum Support Regulations 2000. The amendments, which come into effect today, increase the levels of support provided to destitute asylum seekers supported by the National Asylum Support Service (NASS). The changes in the support rates are detailed here:

Levels of NASS cash support from 11 November 2002 Levels of NASS cash support from 7 April 2003
Single Person
Aged 18–24 £29.89 £30.28
Aged 25 or over £37.77 £38.26
Qualifying couples
At least one member of the couple is aged 18 or over £59.26 £60.03
Lone parent aged 18 or over £37.77 £38.26
Allowances for dependent children
Person aged under 16 £37.00 £38.50
Person aged at least 16 but under 18 (except a member of a qualifying couple) £32.50 £32.90