Refugee agencies are claiming that vulnerable women are being forced to sleep rough because of a clampdown on benefits.
Earlier this year new rules were introduced to stop asylum seekers getting benefits unless they apply as soon as they arrive in the country. The changes were intended to curb the rise in asylum claims.
In 1980, 2000 people applied for asylum in the UK and in 2001 that figure was closer to 72,000. But according to many charities, what is know as Section 55 is making thousands of people homeless.
Anna Egan reports on women refused housing and support, and Martha is joined by Â鶹ԼÅÄ Office Minister Beverley Hughes to talk about the policy.
