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By JASON GROVES, POLITICAL EDITOR
Published: | Updated:
Lax rules that have let asylum seekers use their taxpayer handouts for gambling are ‘very concerning’, a Cabinet minister has admitted.
The Daily Mail revealed this week that there have been thousands of transactions using pre-paid cards meant to fund basics such as food and clothing.
The Home Office, which initially said the abuse was impossible, yesterday launched an investigation into the scandal.
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds confirmed that the use of the Aspen cards for gambling was not allowed.
Asked about the Mail’s revelations, he said: ‘It’s already forbidden. It shouldn’t happen. We’ve seen that story.
‘Support for asylum seekers in the UK is, it’s not a lot of money, it’s about £7 a day, I think, for essentials. You shouldn’t be able to use it for this. So it’s very concerning.
‘There’s an immediate investigation to find out exactly what has gone on here.’
Home Office data revealed up to 6,537 asylum seekers have used the government-issued cards at least once for gambling in the past year.
Asylum seekers have been found using taxpayer money on gambling. Pictured: migrants scramble to board a small boat near Wimereux in France
In the last year, up to 6,537 asylum seekers have used the government-issued cards at least once for gambling, in betting shops and even casinos
So-called Aspen cards are issued to asylum seekers while they wait to have their claims dealt with – a process that can take months, or even years
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds confirmed that the use of the Aspen cards for gambling was not allowed
The shock figures were released under Freedom of Information laws to the PoliticsHome website.
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said it was ‘a complete abuse of taxpayers’ money’ and called for an immediate clampdown.
Fellow Tory Ben Obese-Jecty said: ‘It is scandalous. I raised the issue of Aspen cards directly with both the Home Secretary and the border security minister earlier this year.
‘Their only concern was that “disclosure could undermine the ability of the Home Office to secure maximum value for money in future contract negotiations”.’
Aspen cards are issued to asylum seekers while they wait to have their claims dealt with – a process that can take months or even years.
Those in self-catered accommodation receive £49.18 on the card each week, with 80,000 currently issued.
Home Office figures do not reveal how many of the attempts to use the cards in amusement arcades and casinos were successful.
A spokesman said it had ‘begun an investigation’ and added: ‘The Home Office has a legal obligation to support asylum seekers, including any dependants, who would otherwise be destitute.’
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