Hundreds of asylum seekers in Doncaster waiting for outcome of their claims

But the Government has been criticised for an "appalling and unacceptable" system which leaves vulnerable people in limbo for many months, after the numbers waiting for an asylum decision hit a record high.

People with ongoing claims for asylum receive financial assistance and accommodation through what is known as Section 95 support, as do those whose application was unsuccessful, but who had children in their household at the time.

Home Office figures show 266 people were receiving Section 95 support in Doncaster at the end of June – three per cent less than at the end of March.

Figures from the Home Office show the vast majority (72 per cent) of applicants waiting for a decision at the end of June had waited more than six months, compared to just 54 per cent the year before.

Applicants are prevented from claiming welfare benefits – and in most cases from working – while waiting for a decision.

Those receiving Section 95 support are given accommodation, typically in hostels or shared flats, access to healthcare, education for children under 18, and £5.66 per day in aid.

Christine Jardine, an MP and the Liberal Democrat Home Affairs spokeswoman, said: “We should welcome people who’ve come to the UK fleeing war or persecution with compassion and enable them to contribute to our society, not keep them trapped for months on just £5.66 a day – especially now during this pandemic.

“The way the Home Office is treating these vulnerable people is appalling and unacceptable.

"It is leaving thousands of asylum seekers waiting many months for a decision, preventing them from working, renting a home or supporting their families."

In Doncaster, 260 people were being provided with accommodation at the end of June, while six applicants were receiving financial assistance only, having found their own place to live.

Though a local breakdown of where these people fled from is not available, the most common nationality in Yorkshire and The Humber was Iraqi, with 1,132 receiving support.