PARLIAMENTARY EARLY DAY MOTION
REFORM OF SECTION 4 SUPPORT FOR ASYLUM SEEKERS (2 July 2006)

That this House notes that since 2003 there has been a 15-fold increase in the number of failed asylum seekers in receipt of Section 4 support, on the basis that they are temporarily unable to leave the UK for reasons beyond their control; further notes that the Citizen's Advice Bureau (CAB) evidence briefing of June 2006 reports that the National Asylum Support Service (NASS) failed to respond adequately to this increase and, during 2005, delay and error in processing applications and delivery of support became commonplace, resulting in numerous cases of avoidable destitution; recalls that the Section 4 regime, set up in 2000 was intended as a short-term and discretionary support system for a very small number of hard cases but notes it is now a large-scale and largely long-term regime; further notes that the CAB reports that NASS has begun to address the administrative failures that have led to this situation but remains concerned that reform is needed to remove hardship; and therefore calls on the Home Office to incorporate CAB's recommendations on Section 4 into its New Asylum Model, including that all Section 4 subsistence support be provided in cash with supported individuals given full access to free NHS treatment, that all pregnant failed asylum seekers should be entitled to Section 4 support and accommodation, irrespective of the length of pregnancy and that supported individuals who are also subject to Immigration Service reporting conditions should have full access to the scheme for payment of associated travel expenses.

Sponsored by:
Lynne Jones (Labour)