The Home Office has issued a new restrictions on how asylum seekers can use their pre-paid Aspen cards, banning hundreds of items and services it deems non-essential including everything from lottery tickets and toys to flowers, audiobooks, and even photocopying.
The move follows a government-ordered review of the Aspen card system, which is used to distribute weekly financial support to asylum seekers who are not allowed to work in the UK. Those in full-board hotel accommodation receive just £9.95 per week, while those in self-catered housing receive £49.18.
The ban uses a standardised system known as Merchant Category Codes (MCCs) set by card providers like Visa and Mastercard to block transactions at specific types of retailers. While many of the banned items seem implausible given the limited funds available to asylum seekers (such as snowmobiles, furs, or timeshares), others have raised eyebrows for being everyday basics. These include toys, greeting cards, and services like library fines, haircuts, and photocopying.
The Home Office says the restrictions, which took effect 11 August 2025, are intended to ensure public money is used for essential living needs only.
However, refugee charities and support groups have criticised the move as punitive and out of touch.
Steve Smith, CEO of Care4Calais, said, “People seeking asylum are receiving as little as £10 per week. They aren’t buying the ‘luxury items’ the Home Office is suggesting. This is about making life as difficult and miserable as possible.”
The charity reports asylum seekers struggling to afford food, clothing, or even pay for school items. Volunteers regularly supply basics like nappies, shoes, baby clothes, and toiletries.
The Home Office acknowledged that the ban might unintentionally block access to essential services and said it is reviewing whether it can block individual merchants rather than entire spending categories.
A spokesperson added,“Support is provided to cover essential living needs only. We continue to review the system and will announce any further changes once the review is complete.”
Read also: Home office to stop accommodating asylum seekers at hotel
