Published on
October 24, 2025
As the United Kingdom grapples with an escalating crisis, asylum seekers are facing severe financial strain and travel challenges, which have led to growing calls for immediate government action. With a weekly allowance of just £9.95, these individuals are unable to cover basic living expenses, while being prohibited from working and forced to travel long distances to report to immigration centres. The current system leaves asylum seekers vulnerable, as much of their allowance is consumed by transportation costs, making it nearly impossible to meet other essential needs. This situation has sparked widespread concern and calls for urgent policy reforms, including provisions for free travel passes and increased financial support, to ensure asylum seekers can live with dignity while navigating the asylum process.
Bristol Asylum Seekers Struggling with Travel Costs Amid Weekly Allowance of £9.95
In Bristol, asylum seekers living in hotels are facing significant challenges as they receive a weekly allowance of just £9.95, all while being prohibited from seeking employment and forced to commute long distances to report to an immigration centre in Patchway. This situation has raised concerns over the adequacy of the support provided to vulnerable individuals and families who are trying to navigate the asylum system.
Carla Denyer, the Green Member of Parliament (MP) for Bristol Central, recently brought attention to the hardship asylum seekers are facing. In her advocacy, Denyer suggested that asylum seekers should be granted free bus passes to alleviate some of the financial burden, particularly when it comes to transportation costs associated with travelling to and from the reporting centre. The situation is dire for many of these individuals, as they are left with very little after covering basic travel expenses.
The Strain of Bus Travel Costs
One of the key points raised by Denyer was the high cost of bus travel for asylum seekers. According to her, half of the weekly allowance is already spent on a single day of bus travel to Patchway, a significant portion of the £9.95 provided to each individual. With a weekly allowance so low, it is clear that covering even basic travel costs leaves little room for other necessities.
Asylum seekers in this situation are already under significant stress, as they are living in uncertainty and unable to support themselves through work. The financial strain created by travel expenses has exacerbated their vulnerability, adding another challenge to an already difficult journey. This scenario reflects a broader issue of inadequate support for asylum seekers across the UK, who often find themselves struggling to meet even the most basic needs.
Denyer’s Letter to Mayor Godwin
In response to this growing issue, Carla Denyer sent a letter to Helen Godwin, the Labour mayor of the West of England. In the letter, Denyer stressed the need for urgent action to help asylum seekers by providing them with free bus passes. Given the high cost of transport in the area, Denyer argued that this initiative would help to ensure that asylum seekers can access the necessary services and report to the immigration centre without financial hardship.
However, the proposal for free bus passes faces significant financial obstacles. In the letter, Denyer acknowledged that the proposal is unlikely to go ahead in the short term due to a lack of available funds. This highlights the ongoing financial constraints faced by local authorities when it comes to supporting asylum seekers, despite the increasing recognition of the challenges they face.
Local Leaders Push for Change
In an effort to address the situation, Helen Godwin, the Labour mayor of the West of England, also took action. Ahead of a West of England Combined Authority meeting on October 17, Godwin responded to a public inquiry by revealing that she had written to the Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, urging her to consider changes to the current system.
Godwin’s letter to Mahmood is part of an ongoing effort by local leaders to draw attention to the plight of asylum seekers and ensure that they are given the support they need during a difficult and uncertain time. In her correspondence, Godwin highlighted the financial hardship faced by asylum seekers in the West of England and called for a review of the current policies that are leaving many individuals unable to meet their basic needs.
While there has been no official response from the Home Secretary at the time of writing, it is clear that there is growing pressure from local officials to take action. Many are calling for a more compassionate and practical approach to supporting asylum seekers, particularly in light of the financial strain that transportation costs impose on them.
The Bigger Picture: A Call for Policy Reform
The issue of asylum seekers’ financial struggles is part of a much larger conversation about the UK’s asylum and immigration policies. Critics argue that the current system fails to provide adequate support for individuals seeking refuge, leaving them to navigate the complexities of the asylum process with limited resources.
Many have called for a reform of the asylum process, one that addresses not only the financial needs of asylum seekers but also their physical and mental well-being. The lack of opportunities to work, combined with the restrictions on movement and the constant threat of uncertainty, places asylum seekers in a precarious position. Their treatment, advocates argue, should reflect a more humane and supportive approach.
The situation in Bristol, where asylum seekers are receiving a mere £9.95 a week, exemplifies the financial hardship that many face across the UK. Without the ability to work and with limited resources for essential needs, these individuals are left to struggle.
Asylum seekers in the UK face severe financial strain, with just £9.95 a week to cover basic expenses while being banned from working and forced to travel long distances to immigration centres. This has led to growing calls for immediate government action to provide better support and address travel barriers.
Moving Forward: The Need for Change
As the situation continues to unfold, it is clear that local leaders, including Carla Denyer and Helen Godwin, are advocating for practical changes that will make a tangible difference in the lives of asylum seekers. While the proposal for free bus passes may not be immediately feasible due to funding constraints, it has sparked an important conversation about the level of support being provided to vulnerable individuals.
Ultimately, the issue is a call for a larger shift in how asylum seekers are treated in the UK. Advocates stress that it is crucial to provide individuals with the resources they need to survive and integrate into society, including access to affordable transportation, work opportunities, and mental health support. The current financial struggles faced by asylum seekers in Bristol and beyond highlight the urgent need for policy reform and a more compassionate approach to immigration and asylum support.
As discussions continue, it remains to be seen whether these changes will come to fruition, but one thing is clear: the call for better support for asylum seekers is only growing louder.
