The Home Office has declined to reveal how many failed asylum seeker families have accepted a new government offer of up to £40,000 to leave the UK voluntarily. The pilot scheme allows families with no legal right to remain in Britain to receive £10,000 per person, for up to four family members, if they agree to return to their home countries. Around 150 families were initially invited to apply and were given a short deadline to accept the offer. Officials say the initiative could expand to thousands more families if deemed successful. The Government argues the scheme could save taxpayers money, as supporting a family of failed asylum seekers currently costs an estimated £158,000 per year. Critics have questioned why people from countries considered safe need financial incentives to leave. The policy comes amid continued debate about migration, following the cancellation of the previous Rwanda relocation plan and ongoing small-boat crossings across the Channel, which remain a significant political and social issue.