Scandal Unveiled: Asylum Seekers Spotted Gambling with Taxpayer-Funded Cards

A recent Freedom of Information request reveals shocking news: over 6,500 attempts have been made by asylum seekers to misuse ASPEN cards—government-issued payment cards intended for essential needs like food—for gambling activities. The Home Office provides these cards to asylum seekers awaiting decisions to support their living expenses, initially granting them £9.95 weekly, which becomes £49.18 if they move to self-catered housing.

Despite these funds being earmarked for necessities, it is reported that some have used the cards at casinos, slot machine arcades, and lottery retailers instead. Online gambling attempts were largely blocked, but some users managed to withdraw cash near gambling venues, indicating a clear misuse of taxpayer money. The highest recorded week of misuse was in November, with 227 attempts, while July saw the least at 40 attempts.

Chris Philp, the Conservative shadow home secretary, expressed outrage, stating that it is unacceptable for illegal immigrants to use taxpayer funds for gambling, highlighting that the support provided should not be squandered. There are currently 80,000 ASPEN card users, with existing controls and limits being scrutinized due to this reported misuse. A Home Office spokesperson assured that any instances of card misuse will prompt urgent corrective action to prevent further gambling activities in the future.