Currently people seeking asylum who live in accommodation that provides food are given £49.18, and those who live in accommodation with food are given £8.86. This is less than £1.30 a day for clothing, toiletries, and travel. Given that a single bus journey costs £1.75, this presents a huge challenge for people seeking asylum who need to bring their children to school, meet appointments, and go to the doctors.

Citizens UK have run listening workshops to understand the experiences of people seeking asylum. Mothers and young children have had to walk long distances to go to primary school, as even though children have access to free bus travel, their parents do not. Asylum seekers desperate to learn English have missed classes because of the cost of travel. People who are unwell have had to walk long distances to access healthcare because of the cost of travel.

Yes. By preventing asylum seekers from accessing affordable travel, every Londoner suffers. It creates a barrier for people seeking asylum who want to improve their English, give back to their communities through volunteering, and bring their children to school. In turn, this limits the opportunities of integration for people seeking asylum and their new communities.

Yes! Free bus travel for people seeking asylum has already been passed in Scotland and Northern Ireland. The London Mayor’s office has the power to make this happen through TFL. And our campaign is key to ensuring Sadiq Khans pledge, to make London for everyone.