Overview

This bill amends the Asylum Support Regulations 2000, increasing the minimum period before an asylum claim is considered determined, from 28 days to 56 days. This impacts when asylum seekers' government support ends.

Description

The Asylum Support (Prescribed Period) Bill changes the minimum timeframe the Home Secretary must wait before ending asylum support for a claimant. Currently, this period is 28 days. This bill increases that period to 56 days.

The bill amends regulation 2(2) of the Asylum Support Regulations 2000, replacing "28" with "56". This alteration affects when asylum support payments cease after a claim is submitted. The Secretary of State retains the power to set a longer period but cannot set it to less than 56 days in specific circumstances (regulation 2(2A)).

The bill applies to England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland and comes into effect three months after passing.

Government Spending

The bill is expected to increase government spending on asylum support. The exact figure is not specified in the bill itself, but the increase will depend on the number of asylum seekers whose support is extended due to the longer waiting period.

Groups Affected

This bill primarily affects:

• Asylum seekers: The extension of the minimum waiting period before asylum support ends means asylum seekers will receive financial assistance for an additional 28 days. This could have a positive impact on their well-being and ability to manage during the claim process.
• The UK government: The bill will lead to increased expenditure on asylum support.

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