Taxpayer Costs for Migrant Base Policing Soar to £5.5 Million

The financial burden of policing a migrant accommodation site in East Sussex could exceed £5.5 million, according to recent reports. The former army base has already seen approximately 27 individuals relocated there as part of the Home Office’s plan to house up to 526 people. This initiative aims to end the use of hotels for asylum seekers, but it has prompted considerable public concern and debate regarding safety and transparency.

The site is equipped with 24/7 security, CCTV, and police checks for all new arrivals. These measures are intended to alleviate local fears about potential risks to the community. However, the comprehensive security arrangements are expected to significantly impact the public finances. Kay Bourne, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Sussex, stated in an interview with The Mail that the projected costs for the necessary officers, technology, and security could reach £5.5 million. Ms. Bourne has called on the Home Office to cover these expenses, which were estimated by Sussex Police under the assumption that the camp will operate for a full year.

Concerns about safety have been heightened following recent incidents at the site. Three individuals were arrested after disturbances that police described as involving “threatening and intimidatory behaviour.” A 36-year-old man and a 62-year-old woman from Crowborough, along with a 54-year-old man from Newhaven, were detained under the Public Order Act.

Local residents have expressed discontent, with thousands taking to the streets of Crowborough each weekend since the base was transferred from the Ministry of Defence to the Home Office in October 2023. Many community members are apprehensive about the lack of consultation regarding the site’s development and its potential impact on local children. A large demonstration is scheduled for January 25, 2024, following reports that the first group of migrants was moved to the camp overnight.

A local residents group, the Crowborough Shield, has raised over £96,000 through crowdfunding to pursue legal action against the Home Office. They have criticized the government for what they describe as a “lack of transparency” surrounding the base’s conversion into migrant accommodation.

One long-time resident, Andrew Tuck, who has lived in the area for 38 years, voiced his concerns, stating, “Personally, I think the government needs to sit up and take responsibility for what they should be doing, which is protecting the residents of this country. We should come first.”

During a recent visit to the site, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood addressed the public’s concerns, affirming her commitment to defending any legal challenges “vigorously.” She emphasized the necessity of moving away from using hotels for asylum seekers, stating, “I understand the strength of feeling but I do also believe that getting out of asylum hotels is absolutely crucial for the country. We should have never used asylum hotels to house illegal migrants.”

As the situation continues to unfold, the debate over the financial and social implications of the migrant camp in East Sussex is expected to intensify, highlighting the complexities of asylum policy and local governance.