The Scottish Green party, which is part of the Scottish Government, is calling for an extension of the free bus pass scheme to include asylum seekers.
The party says it would “help mitigate Home Office cruelty by tackling engineered poverty inflicted on those fleeing war and persecution.”
Scottish Greens transport spokesperson Mark Ruskell highlighted the proposal in the Scottish Parliament, with Social Security minister Shona Robison agreeing to meet Greens and others to discuss how it could be done.
“Those who come to this country fleeing war and persecution have no right to work or claim benefits and are forced to live on handouts far lower than normal social security rates,” Ruskell said. “The Home Office claims that folks need only £4.70 for transport each week – less than the cost of a bus day ticket in Glasgow.
“I’m proud that with Greens in Government we have acted boldly to mitigate the UK Government’s cruelty through funds to help councils reduce the harm of the benefit cap and by more than doubling the Scottish Child Payment.”
Under-22-year-olds have recently been given free bus travel in Scotland.
(Picture – First Bus Scotland)
