More people were receiving support while attempting to claim asylum in North Somerset in September than a year earlier, figures show.

The figures come as a leading refugee charity predicts the Government will struggle to commit to its pledge to clear the backlog in asylum applications by the end of next year.

While awaiting a decision, asylum seekers are unable to work but can be entitled to financial assistance and accommodation through what is known as 'Section 95' support.

Home Office figures show eight people in North Somerset were receiving such support as of the end of September – up from six claimants in September 2021.

Across the UK, 101,000 people were receiving some form of asylum support at the end of September, up 46% from the same time last year.

This included 58,000 people receiving Section 95 support, up from 46,000 the year before.