Glasgow has long been a city known for its diversity and inclusivity, but recent setbacks have raised concerns about the well-being of some of its most vulnerable residents: asylum seekers. This week, a motion is being brought to the council by Scottish Greens councillor Anthony Carroll, who is calling for free bus travel for asylum seekers—an essential benefit that was recently scrapped by the Scottish Government due to budget constraints.
Call to Reverse Scrapped Pilot
The proposal to provide free bus travel for asylum seekers was initially announced by Holyrood as a pilot scheme. The initiative was aimed at addressing the severe isolation faced by those who often find it impossible to cover basic living expenses, let alone a bus fare. Councillor Carroll argues that reversing the decision is crucial for the well-being of about 4,500 asylum seekers currently residing in the city.
“Asylum seekers in Glasgow are the most isolated folk in the city. How can they get to the Home Office or other appointments when they can barely afford the daily essentials?” Carroll stated, emphasizing the life-changing impact that free bus travel could have.
Budget Constraints and Mental Health
The Scottish Government’s decision to scrap the pilot scheme has been attributed to budget pressures. However, the ramifications of this decision are far-reaching. According to The Mental Health of Asylum Seekers and Refugees in the UK report by Mental Health UK, 84% of asylum seekers and refugees in Scotland reported that they had experienced being unable to use public transport because of the cost.
The report further notes that getting out of the house significantly improves well-being. With asylum seekers receiving as little as £8.68 per week when living in hotels or £49.18 for those in non-catered accommodation, a £5.60 bus fare becomes an unmanageable expense.
The Role of Local Authorities
In addition to Councillor Carroll’s motion, local authorities are called upon to press higher government bodies for a reversal of the decision. The motion specifically targets Councillor Angus Millar, responsible for transport, and calls for him to write to the Scottish Government’s cabinet secretary for transport to restate the council’s support for the free bus travel scheme.
Furthermore, it asks council leader Susan Aitken to appeal to the UK Government for a nationwide concessionary bus card scheme for asylum seekers, highlighting that the issue of isolation goes beyond Glasgow and affects all asylum seekers in the UK.
Public Support and Next Steps
The motion will be discussed in a council meeting set for this Thursday, with hopes that it will gain the required support to move forward. Public sentiment appears to be in favor of the scheme, as many Glaswegians recognize the hardships faced by asylum seekers and the importance of accessible public transport in alleviating these struggles.
By ensuring that asylum seekers can travel freely within the city, Glasgow aims to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for its diverse population. As the council meeting approaches, the city’s residents and officials alike await the outcome with bated breath, hopeful for a positive change that could serve as a model for other regions across the UK.
