More than a dozen people in Oxford are waiting in limbo while they attempt to claim asylum in the UK.

The numbers waiting for an asylum decision hit a record high across the UK and the Liberal Democrats have criticised the Government’s “appalling and unacceptable” system for leaving vulnerable people in limbo for many months.

People with ongoing claims for asylum receive financial assistance and accommodation through what is known as Section 95 support.

However, if the applicant is unsuccessful and have children in their household, then they will also receive financial support.

Home Office figures show 13 people were receiving Section 95 support in Oxford at the end of June, which is four more than at the end of March.

Across the UK, a record 45,769 people were getting support , 50 per cent more than five years ago.

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Home Office show 72 per cent of applicants waiting for a decision at the end of June had waited more than six months, compared to just 54 per cent the year before.

Applicants seeking asylum are prevented from claiming welfare benefits and in most cases from working while waiting for a decision.

Those receiving Section 95 support are given accommodation, typically in hostels or shared flats, access to healthcare, education for children under 18, and £5.66 per day in aid.

The Liberal Democrats want to see a new dedicated unit to speed up asylum decisions.

The Party also is calling for the ban on asylum seekers working to be lifted which will boost applicants’ income and give them the chance to contribute to the economy.

Christine Jardine, an MP and the Liberal Democrats Home Affairs spokesperson, said: “We should welcome people who’ve come to the UK fleeing war or persecution with compassion and enable them to contribute to our society, not keep them trapped for months on just £5.66 a day – especially now during this pandemic.

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“The way the Home Office is treating these vulnerable people is appalling and unacceptable.

“It is leaving thousands of asylum seekers waiting many months for a decision, preventing them from working, renting a home or supporting their families.”

The Home Office prevents asylum seekers from working unless their claim has been outstanding for 12 months through no fault of their own, and restricts them to jobs in which the UK has a shortage of workers.

A Home Office spokesperson said: “We are dealing with sustained high levels of new asylum applications which is creating pressure and the impact of Covid-19 has significantly impacted on our ability to progress asylum claims.

“As restrictions are lifted we are getting the system moving once again and we have plans in place to improve the speed with which outstanding asylum claims are decided.”