Home Secretary Calls for Taxi Review for Asylum Seekers: Are We Paying Too Much?

Home Secretary's Review on Taxi Use for Asylum Seekers

In a bid to reassess the transportation methods for asylum seekers, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has initiated a review of the taxis used to transport them from hotels to various appointments. This decision comes in light of a BBC investigation which revealed some individuals are racking up hefty taxi bills for long-distance trips to essential services, such as medical appointments.

Concerns Raised Over Costs

In a statement, Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden expressed surprise at the costs involved, noting that many will question the necessity of such taxi services. "I think a lot of your listeners will quite rightly ask, why should people be taken around in taxis?" he commented during a BBC Radio 4 interview.

Lack of Transparency in Spending

The BBC's inquiries regarding the government's expenditure on taxi travel for asylum seekers were met with the revelation that the Home Office does not maintain records of these expenses. It appears that taxi service rates are established through contracts, calculated per person per mile, rather than on a traditional taxi meter. This raises further questions about accountability and transparency in government spending.

Investigation Underway

A spokesperson from the Home Office confirmed that Mahmood has directed officials to investigate the matter urgently, ensuring that taxpayer money is used judiciously.