Sir, Vouchers are not provided to asylum-seekers, who receive support in cash (letter, Mar 21). However, unsuccessful asylum applicants, unable to leave the UK through no fault of their own, can be supported under Section 4 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, which meets essential needs. Where it is not possible to provide support in full-board accommodation, those eligible for support receive £35 per week in vouchers to cover their food and essential toiletries. This has been the case since April 2005.

The vouchers provided under Section 4 are acceptable for exchange at supermarkets and local stores which meet individuals’ needs, such as the purchase of halal meat. The National Asylum Support Service (NASS) is committed to quickly resolving any problems that arise and has established a mechanism for doing so within 24 hours.

The Government has also recently accepted an amendment to the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Bill which will enable additional needs of unsuccessful asylum-seekers supported by Section 4 to be met, which are not connected with the provision of accommodation. These may include travel to medical appointments or baby clothing for new mothers. We will consult relevant parties on the content of the regulations to be drawn up, to ensure these meet essential needs of recipients of Section 4 support not connected to the provision of accommodation.

Support for failed asylum-seekers is limited and temporary for people who are about to leave the UK, to ensure that it does not act as an incentive to remain. We wish to encourage those who have been unsuccessful in their claims to leave the UK once the temporary barrier to their leaving has been resolved.

TONY McNULTY
London SW1

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