Bexhill site to house asylum seekers under new Government plans

The town's MP has said he's looking to speak with the Home Office about the proposals for Northeye

Author: Ryan BurrowsPublished 29th Mar 2023
Last updated 29th Mar 2023

A former prison site in Bexhill, now home to a training centre, is set to be used to house asylum seekers under Government plans announced on Wednesday (March 29th).

The site at Northeye has been mentioned as part of proposals, which also feature involve migrants living at the disused RAF Wethersfield in Essex and RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire.

The MP for Bexhill and Battle has said he will meet with the Home Office to express the concerns of his residents.

Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick has claimed that asylum-seeking children are not expected to be housed there.

Speaking in the Commons, he said that the sites will be 'scaled up over the coming months and will collectively provide accommodation to several thousands asylum seekers through repurposed barrack blocks and portacabins'.

He added:

"We must not elevate the wellbeing of illegal migrants above those of the British people. It is in their interests that we are sent here.

"The sheer number of small boats have overwhelmed our asylum system and forced the Government to place asylum seekers in hotels.

"These hotels take valuable assets from communities and place pressures on local public services.

"Seaside towns have lost tourist trade, weddings have been cancelled and local councils have had their resources diverted to manage them and the hardworking British taxpayer has been left to foot the eye-watering £2.3 billion a year bill."

In a statement released following the announcement, Bexhill MP Huw Merriman backed ending the use of hotels, hostels and other temporary accommodation, saying it is 'not suitable, sustainable, or cost-effective for British taxpayers or local authorities'.

"I know that this decision will have an impact on local authorities and public services. It will also be of great concern to local residents.

"It is important that the community is fully appraised of the proposals and reassured as to the impact.

"I will be meeting with the Immigration Minister, and officials, at the Home Office tomorrow to take forward local concerns along with any proposals and ideas which local stakeholders and I consider would be necessary or helpful.

"I am keen to identify the challenges and issues this will create for the town and its residents.

"I will work with the Home Office, and other organisations, to deliver the resources and safeguards which will be needed to reassure residents."

In a joint statement, East Sussex County Council and Rother District Council said:

"People in our communities are likely to have many questions about the government’s plans to house asylum seekers at the Northeye site in Bexhill, a former prison and military training centre.

"Rother District Council and East Sussex County Council will work together, and with all our local partners, to understand and assess in more detail the impact this would have on local communities.

"We will also share this analysis with the government and work with them to ensure the Home Office addresses all issues identified."

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