The letter from a UK minister to council leader Susan Aitken outlined a breakdown of how much of their allowance has been allocated to cover food and other essentials.

A total of £34.86 is available for food and £1.46 for toileteries and laundry.

The information was provided to council leader Susan Aitken after she wrote a letter to Westminster calling for free bus travel to be introduced for asylum seekers and for them to have the right to work. The letter is being presented to tomorrow’s full council meeting in the city.

Figures show there were about 4,520 asylum seekers in the city in December last year.

Councillor Aitken had contacted the UK Government when there were fears Holyrood would not fund free bus travel for asylum seekers. But now the Scottish Government has recommitted to the plans to provide the benefit by 2026.

Bus ticket prices in Glasgow can range from a single at £2 to £5.60 for a city and local day pass.

The letter came after the council passed a motion led by the Scottish Greens pointing out 84 per cent of asylum seekers could not use public transport due to cost.

The UK Government said it had no plans to cover free bus travel or allow asylum seekers to work. It explained more about how the living costs for asylum seekers are calculated.

The letter from Minister for Border Security & Asylum Angela Eagle said: “The level of the allowance given to individuals on asylum support is reviewed each year to ensure it covers essential living needs. Following the 2023 review, weekly cash allowances have increased for many supported individuals including pregnant women and young children. We continue to provide support and accommodation for asylum seekers who would otherwise be destitute.”

The letter added: “The standard weekly level of allowance for individuals in self-catered accommodation will be increased from £47.39 to £49.18. For individuals in catered accommodation, the standard weekly allowance level will be reduced from £9.58 to £8.86.

“In setting the rates, we have utilised an alternative methodology, which uses a ‘disaggregated CPI’. “The methodology has been designed to offer a more accurate measure of changes in the price of items to cover essential living needs.”

The breakdown of the payments for asylum seekers per week.

Food and drink £34.86 (Not applicable for people staying in catered accommodation)

Toiletries and Laundry £1.46 (Not applicable for people staying in catered accommodation)

Non-prescription medicines 47p

Clothing and footwear £3.43

Travel £4.96

Comms £4.00 (Not applicable for people staying in catered accommodation)