One in 11 UK asylum seekers is in Scotland

One in 11 asylum seekers receiving support in the UK is based in Scotland, figures indicate.

A banner welcomes asylum seekers to Glasgow. Picture: Robert Perry

A total of 3,214 main applicants and their dependants given help were registered north of the Border at the end of March.

In total there are 35,683 people being supported around the UK under Section 95 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, through which asylum seekers can apply for accommodation and/or financial help for essential living costs while their application is decided.

Analysis of official data revealed wide regional variations in the distribution of asylum seekers receiving Section 95 support as at the end of the first quarter of 2016.

Scotland had the fifth highest number, London had 2,657, while the south-east of England had the lowest number, with 504.

Glasgow had the highest number of individuals receiving Section 95 support of all local authorities, with 3,173 – one for every 189 residents.

There were 184 local authorities with none.

Earlier this year the Commons home affairs committee said ministers must call on more areas to house asylum seekers after an unprecedented demand for accommodation.

Councils sign up voluntarily to the “dispersal” scheme.