UK asylum seekers to be banned from taking taxis to medical appointments

The UK government has announced plans to ban asylum seekers from taking taxis to medical appointments, effective February. The decision comes after a review of the £15.8m annual Home Office expenditure on taxi services for asylum seekers. Campaigners have long requested free access to public transport, including bus passes, to alleviate the burden of lengthy journeys. Asylum seekers currently receive one return bus journey per week, but are often forced to take taxis due to distance or lack of alternative transportation options. The government has rejected pleas for free bus travel, instead introducing new rules that will allow taxis only in exceptional cases, such as those with physical disabilities or serious illnesses. Alternative transport arrangements will be put in place for asylum seekers starting February.

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