REFUGEES living in poverty in Oxfordshire could force an overhaul of the UK's asylum system.

The Joint Committee on Human Rights published a report, labelling the support system for asylum seekers a "confusing mess".

Its research included evidence of Oxfordshire refugees and asylum seekers who, because they are banned from working, are living in poverty.

Andrew Dismore MP, joint committee chairman, said: "The asylum system is overly complex, poorly administered and offers inadequate information and advice about the support to which people are entitled, in some cases denying any support whatsoever to people who are desperate and destitute."

The report concludes that in refusing permission for asylum seekers to work and also operating a system of support which results in destitution, the Government's treatment of some asylum seekers reaches the human rights threshold of 'inhuman and degrading treatment'.

Oxford charities Refugee Resource and Asylum Welcome gave evidence to the commitee.

Amanda Webb-Johnson, director of Refugee Resource, said: "This report is an unequivocal condemnation of this Government's treatment of asylum seekers which goes beyond the bounds of human decency.

"Refugee Resource submitted evidence for this inquiry in relation to destitute asylum seekers living in the county.

"They include people whom the Government has not granted refugee status and yet has ruled that it is not safe for them to be returned home. In many cases, they have no permission to work and are not allowed to receive benefits. Many are having to resort to desperate means in order to survive.

"The Government has to act and create an asylum system this country can be proud of."

Prof Tony Bradley, a trustee of Asylum Welcome, welcomed possible changes in the detainment of people at Campsfield House in Kidlington - scene of a large disturbance last month.

He said: "Detentions at Campsfield have to be seen against the unhappy background of the Government's present policies that include removal of individuals to countries such as Zimbabwe."

The Home Office said it would consider the findings of the report.