ScotGov drops free bus travel for asylum seekers prompting charity backlash
dailyrecord.co.ukA decision to axe free bus transport for asylum seekers has been condemned by charities, which warned some people are living on less than £1.40 per day.
The policy was introduced as part of the Bute House Agreement between the Scottish Government and the Scottish Greens in November 2023 after work by the latter and refugee-rights organisations, and was hailed as “a last ray of hope” for asylum seekers by the Maryhill Integration Network charity.
The Scottish Government said due to “difficult decisions” on spending for 2024/25 “it is unaffordable to progress piloting free bus travel for all people seeking asylum in Scotland”.The Scottish Greens said the decision to scrap the policy was “disgraceful” and a “shameful U-turn” while the Scottish Refugee Council described it as “difficult and frustrating news”.
The Scottish Government announced in July a pilot would be in place by April 2025 with a £2million budget.Writing on X, formerly known as Twitter, the Maryhill Integration Network said: “As third sector organisations who have been providing direct support to the most vulnerable in our communities, we know that having free bus travel would have a positive impact by providing support and connection with others, as well as allowing access to education, advice and advocacy.”It branded the decision “devastating” and added: “People in the asylum process cannot work, cannot access public funds and some live on as little as £1.36 per day.”Scottish Greens transport spokesman Mark Ruskell said: “This is a shameful U-turn and a disgraceful decision.
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