BRITAIN’S “destitution by design” immigration policy is driving migrants to Scotland into extreme poverty, homelessness and a “humanitarian crisis,” a new report has confirmed.

Researchers at I-Sphere (Heriot-Watt University’s institute of social policy, housing, equalities research) carried out a survey of more than 130 people who came to settle or claim asylum in Britain.

They found that their’ average weekly income was just £40 a week and a shocking 97 per cent were destitute.

After decades of Home Office policy built on the threat of leaving migrants with no recourse to public funds (NRPF) as a deterrent, the study found that they were often left hungry, without state support, clothing and basic toiletries.

The scale of the challenge was further illustrated by findings that as many as 93 per cent were found to have experienced homelessness while 55 per cent had had been housed in temporary accomodation in the last year. A shocking 53 per cent had slept rough over the same period.

The study’s Professor Beth Watts-Cobbe said: “The levels of need, deprivation, disadvantage and trauma experienced by those with NRPF or restricted eligibility amounts to a humanitarian crisis among a group often hidden from public view.

“Many of those affected have been in the UK for years, if not decades, contributing to our communities but left without access to basic support.

“Two thirds of those we spoke to are not allowed to work, blocking their ability to support themselves out of these dire circumstances.

“These counterproductive hostile-environment policies affect thousands of people across Scotland, crushing their potential and creating destitution by design.”

She said that the level of need is shocking but that the issue is “entirely preventable with concerted action.”

“It is time to stop passing the buck,” Professor Wats-Cobbe said “Radical and urgent reforms are needed that prioritise people’s ability to access the essentials and live a dignified life.

“The new UK government must commit to ending the unnecessary hardship that is being caused by current immigration policy and urgently change course.”

A Home Office spokesperson said: “The new government is committed to ensuring strong and important safeguards are in place for individuals who find themselves in the most challenging circumstances.

“This includes the ability to apply for the NRPF condition to be lifted.

“The NRPF restriction is designed to ensure  managed immigration benefits the UK and taxpayer funds are protected.”