"Godwin said she does "not anticipate" that she will fund asylum seekers' travel out of her budget. But she added Home Office-issued tickets would offer "a cheaper and greener way for people to attend essential appointments." Asylum seekers living in hotels are given 9.95 per week. Those living in Bristol have to travel to Patchway for mandatory meetings with the Home Office. A single bus ticket costs 2.50, or 6.50 for a daily pass."
"Bristol City of Sanctuary has been campaigning for asylum seekers to receive free bus travel. The charity is relying on donations to offer bus tickets that are often used for mandatory Home Office meetings, or to take young children to a creche. Oxfordshire County Council is already piloting the scheme, helping asylum seekers to attend medical appointments and build confidence getting around the city by giving them free travel."
The West of England mayor urged the Home Secretary to provide bus tickets for asylum seekers rather than funding taxis to attend essential appointments. Bristol Central MP Carla Denyer requested free bus travel for asylum seekers. The Home Secretary said she does "not anticipate" funding asylum seekers' travel from her budget but suggested Home Office-issued tickets would be a cheaper and greener way for people to attend essential appointments. Asylum seekers housed in hotels receive 9.95 per week. Many in Bristol must travel to an immigration reporting centre in Patchway, about an hour each way by bus. Local charities and councils are piloting or campaigning for free travel and rely on donations.
Read at www.bbc.com
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