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<p>Asylum seekers, including dependants of asylum seekers, who are destitute are provided
with accommodation and a cash allowance to cover their “essential living needs” -
the legal test. The level of the allowance is kept under regular review.</p><p>The
most recent review showed that the asylum support payments provided to larger household
groups comfortably exceeded what is necessary to meet essential living needs. The
revised rates which will come into force in August are still sufficient to meet those
needs. There should therefore be no impact on the voluntary sector.</p><p>In conducting
the review, in addition to other sources of information, research was undertaken into
the actual costs of particular essential items, including the cost of food stuffs,
clothing, toiletries, household cleaning stuffs and non-prescription medication, as
well as travel and communications.</p><p>In conducting the review, due regard was
given the Public Sector Equality Duty and the assessment was that the reduced payments
were still sufficient to meet those needs. The statement also sets out the methodology
used in the review. A copy of the statement was recently provided on request to the
House of Commons library. A copy of the letter to the members of the National Asylum
Stakeholders Forum is also available on request.</p><p>Along with accommodation, and
free access to health care and education, the essential living needs covered by the
asylum support rates are compatible with the UN Convention on the Rights of the child,
and include nutrition, clothing and access to social, cultural and religious life.</p><p>As
a member of the European Union, the EU Directives on reception conditions for asylum
seekers place Sweden under the same international obligations as the UK in respect
of the provision of support to asylum seekers. Thus like the UK, Sweden provide accommodation
and subsistence to those asylum seekers who are in need of such assistance.</p>
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