The number of refugees and asylum seekers living in food poverty has soared by 20 per cent in a year, as thousands are left destitute even after being granted protection in the UK, The Independent can reveal. The Red Cross warns that a lack of government aid for asylum seekers and a sudden cut-off in support once they are granted refugee status is pushing a growing number of vulnerable people into destitution. The charity supported 15,000 people experiencing destitution last year, during which it recorded a 20 per cent rise in demand for food parcels and a 43 per cent increase in people needing baby packs since 2016 – with overall distributions now at a five-year high.
At least 23 per cent of people seeking its support have refugee status and therefore a legal right to protection and to remain in the UK, the charity said. Campaigners are now calling on ministers to extend the period of time newly recognised refugees continue to receive support, as many are becoming destitute on being granted leave to remain because their asylum support – which includes housing – comes to an end after 28 days.
Read more: May Bulman, Independent, https://ind.pn/2GRcjJC
