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Under consideration PE2028: Extend the concessionary bus travel scheme to include people seeking asylum in Scotland
Calling on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to extend the current Concessionary Travel Scheme to include all people seeking asylum in Scotland regardless of age.
Previous action taken
We have raised the issue with Paul Sweeney MSP, who submitted a motion in the Scottish Parliament, which achieved cross-party support.
We also met with the then Minister for Transport, Jenny Gilruth, to highlight the need for free bus travel to people seeking asylum in Scotland.
Background information
Asylum seekers are some of the most vulnerable people in the UK. They are prevented from working, housed in hotels or private rental accommodation, often in isolated areas, and given less than £50 per week to survive.
Those in hotel accommodation are forced to live on as little as £9 a week, just over £1 a day.
Access to concessionary bus travel is viewed by us as a key social justice policy. We believe it will be positively life-changing and mentally transformative for those otherwise stuck in a dreadfully inadequate and slow asylum system. Most of all, we believe it will enable asylum seekers as a group to become much more integrated in our communities.
Our campaign started in December 2021 with members from the Voices Network, followed by support from the Maryhill Integration Network Voices group.
2,595 signatures
This petition is now under consideration
Click here for further information about the consideration of this petition.