Ban on asylum seekers using taxis for medical appointments comes into force

"The government changed the policy after a BBC investigation which showed people travelling long distances at high cost. In one case, an asylum seeker said he went on a 250-mile cab journey to a GP, costing the Home Office 600. The ban will not stop the use of taxis completely and there will be some exemptions for people with physical disabilities, chronic illnesses and pregnancy-related needs."

"Earlier this year, BBC Radio 4's File on Four found asylum seekers were being issued with a bus pass for one return journey per week. For other necessary travel, like doctor's appointments, taxis were used. One driver told the BBC his firm would do up to 15 drop-offs daily from a hotel in south-east London to a doctors surgery around two miles away."

A ban on asylum seekers using taxis for medical appointments has come into force. The policy changed after an investigation found long, costly journeys, including a 250-mile cab trip to a GP costing the Home Office 600. An average of 15.8m had been spent annually on taxis for asylum seekers, and bus passes for one weekly return left appointments to be covered by taxis. Drivers reported many short drop-offs and inflating mileage by routing from distant locations. Exemptions apply for physical disabilities, chronic illnesses and pregnancy, with Home Office sign-off required. Taxis remain allowed for accommodation moves while other uses are reviewed. The aim is to curb waste and protect taxpayer funds.

Read at www.bbc.com