Asylum Seekers: Children
House of Lords

Baroness Lister of Burtersett (Labour)

To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their response to the recent Children's Society report I Don't Feel Human about the conditions experienced by some young asylum seekers and refugees.

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether, in the light of the Children's Society report I Don't Feel Human, they will review the levels of support for vulnerable children in the immigration system.

Lord Henley (Conservative)

The report will be considered in detail by UK Border Agency officials. Children in the asylum and immigration system are able to access adequate support. All unaccompanied children are entitled to support from their local authority under the Children Act regardless of their immigration status. Additionally, destitute asylum seekers who have children are supported by the UK Border Agency. This support lasts until they leave the United Kingdom or they are granted leave to remain and are therefore free to obtain work or access the mainstream benefits system.

The level of support provided under the Children Act is not fixed at set amounts but depends on an assessment of the child's needs. The cash payments made to asylum seekers in order to meet their essential living needs are already kept under regular review and adjusted where necessary.