Oxfordshire County Council is to partner with Asylum Welcome and the bus companies in Oxford to instigate a six-month pilot scheme to enable free bus travel for asylum seekers accommodated within the city of Oxford.
Asylum seekers staying in a hotel are entitled to less than £9 per week, which severely limits their ability to access services and learn about the British way of life.
The scheme will enable asylum seekers to attend medical appointments, pick up medicines more quickly and build confidence through being able to use the transport system. It will also assist them in getting a job once they are allowed to work which can take many months, if not years.
Asylum seekers can look for work once they have been granted asylum status or after they been in living in the UK for 12 months.
The county council has been working on the scheme with local organisation Asylum Welcome and bus companies following the decision made by its cabinet back in June that it should become a Council of Sanctuary. The cabinet decision followed the adoption of a motion at full council in November 2023.
Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Management, said: “This is one small thing we can do support asylum seekers who are awaiting the outcome of their asylum claim. It will enable them to prepare for work by accessing services and learning to adapt to life in Oxfordshire.
“We hope that the scheme will help asylum seekers integrate into Oxford life by enabling them to attend appointments”.
“This will promote and enable integration and help the individuals in question build connections with local people. It would also assist them in the longer term to become economically active and contribute to the community in which they live.
“The support being provided helps us deliver on our decision in June to become a Council of Sanctuary. We are very grateful to the local bus companies and Asylum Welcome for working with us on this scheme.”
Mark Goldring, Director of Asylum Welcome said: “This is a really positive commitment by Oxfordshire County Council that enables asylum seekers to study, volunteer, worship and prepare for when they are allowed to work. It reduces isolation, improves well-being and the sense of inclusion that Oxfordshire is trying hard to promote.”
Luke Marion, Managing Director of Oxford Bus Company said: “We’re proud to have partnered with Asylum Welcome for several years now, supporting those claiming asylum both in Oxford, and the wider county. We’ve positively built the relationship and we’re pleased to help with this important scheme in partnership with key stakeholders that will make a real difference to asylum seekers in our community.”
Chris Hanson, Managing Director, Stagecoach West, said: “Stagecoach West is delighted to participate in this pilot travel scheme for asylum seekers in Oxfordshire, reflecting our commitment to supporting our communities. The initiative will enable individuals to travel freely, fostering a sense of belonging and opening doors to future job opportunities. It’s a pleasure working with Oxfordshire County Council and Asylum Welcome to do all we can to make sure this scheme is a success, creating a more inclusive community for everyone.
It is calculated that around 275 asylum seeking people accommodated within Oxford would be eligible.
The pilot scheme will cost around £31,000. Asylum Welcome will administer it. The pilot will operate only within the boundaries of Oxford.