Question to the Home Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government why 250 refugees accommodated in hotels in Acton had their statutory £35 weekly allowance stopped, and how this was replaced.

Firstly, it is important to distinguish that those residing in contingency initial accommodation sites in Acton, within the London Borough of Ealing are destitute asylum seekers with an outstanding asylum claim and in receipt of asylum support.

It is not the case that the Home Office halted emergency payments for 250 people within one of these sites. We are aware of some asylum seekers with damaged or lost ASPEN cards alongside others who were experiencing difficulties accessing their support. They were issued emergency payments, in the form of cash or supermarket vouchers which is standard practice in the event of any difficulties.

Anyone experiencing difficulties with using their ASPEN cards can contact Migrant Help through the 24/7 helpline.