Home Office pays police force £2m to monitor asylum camp with no migrants
Documents released by the Home Office show it paid Lincolnshire Police £1,936,531 to protect and oversee policing of RAF Scampton, which was once the Dambusters squadron's wartime air base.
The camp was developed by the Tories to house migrants but never used.
Labour decided to abandon the scheme, which had already cost £60 million to prepare, because the final £122 million cost by the end of its use in 2027 was deemed to not be value for money.
However, in a note published on its website, the Home Office has revealed the net policing costs were £1.8 million for 2023-24 and an additional £136,531 for the year afterwards.
This comes on top of £1,014,457 for the policing of the Bibby Stockholm barge in Portland Port, Dorset, which has also now been shut down, and RAF Wethersfield in Essex, which has received about 700 migrants.
A National Audit Office report found housing migrants on the Bibby barge and the two former RAF bases would cost the taxpayer £46 million more than if they had remained in hotels.
The money for Lincolnshire is understood to have paid for the force to oversee security of the site and deploy officers where necessary.
However, this would have meant that front-line police were diverted from fighting crime.
It comes after Lincolnshire Police drew up plans to cut 200 officers from its 1,200-strong force, as well as a further 200 police staff to cover a £14 million funding gap. It also cancelled a new intake of officers for March.
The Dambusters' 617 squadron was formed at RAF Scampton. It was from there that 19 Lancaster bombers departed for the raid in 1943 to destroy three dams in the Ruhr Valley in Germany's industrial heartlands with 'bouncing bombs' designed by the renowned engineer Barnes Wallis.
Rishi Sunak's government envisaged turning it into a camp for 2,000 asylum seekers despite opposition from local politicians, the council, and historians.
Forty historians – including Sir Antony Beevor, Sir Max Hastings and Dan Snow – wrote to the Home Office, describing plans to use the site as an asylum camp as an act of ' cultural desecration'.
However, in September, Labour announced it was abandoning the plan and handing it over to West Lindsey council, which has £300 million plans to turn the base and its historic runway into a aviation and aerospace hub and national heritage site.
On Friday, the High Court found that Suella Braverman, the former home secretary, acted unlawfully in accommodating three victims of trafficking and torture at RAF Wethersfield because of the effect the conditions had on their mental health.
A Home Office spokesman said: 'This Government inherited an asylum system under exceptional strain, but we are determined to cut the unacceptably high costs of asylum accommodation to the British taxpayer, which is why we ended the use of the costly Scampton and Bibby Stockholm sites.
'We also remain committed to ending the use of hotels over time, and continue to explore a range of options to deliver better value for money to the taxpayer.
'Where asylum accommodation continues to be required, protecting the safety and security of the local community, the staff and those staying in that accommodation remains of paramount importance, and the Home Office has worked closely to that end over a number of years with local forces across the country, especially those with large sites in their areas.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Telegraph
2 hours ago
- Telegraph
The longstanding neglect of working-class pupils puts Britain to shame
SIR – Bridget Phillipson, the Education Secretary, writes (Commentary, August 21) that the state has 'failed white working-class pupils', as in 2024 only 19 per cent of them achieved a strong pass in maths and English GCSE. This is hardly surprising, particularly in the case of boys. I taught at six high schools in a 40-year career, and never came across any initiatives that were specifically directed at such children. When I began teaching in 1977, there were no special plans for anyone. Then, the focus became improving the results of girls, especially in IT, science and technical subjects. When pupil performance data began to be used, focus shifted to different ethnic minority groups. Some of the lowest performing schools are to be found in towns such as Morecambe, Blackpool and Clacton – schools where the vast majority of children are white working-class. Another shift in focus is needed. David S Ainsworth Manchester SIR – The real problem is not that the state has failed pupils, but that parents have. Teachers attempt to educate their pupils to achieve the highest possible results they can – but without consistent support from parents, too many children will underachieve. Eric Mansfield Clitheroe, Lancashire SIR – I was a white working-class child – but I was not let down by the state: I studied at a grammar school. I have spent my life feeling so grateful for having been given that chance. Margaret O'Connell Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire SIR – Some 30 years ago I started teaching in a social priority school – one where a child with exceptional social circumstances is considered higher priority for a place. Most of the students had psycholinguistic problems, and there was a long wait for speech and language services. So I started a communication opportunity group scheme (Cogs). This involved integrating communication teaching into the curriculum. Cogs has been shown to get results – but has been taken up abroad much more than in the UK. When will we learn? Rosemary Sage West Haddon, Northamptonshire SIR – I have a school book completed by the brother of my grandmother, when he was a 14-year-old pupil in Derbyshire in 1860. The book includes all the mathematics necessary for somebody wishing to enter the building trade. Typical titles include 'Equation of Payments' and 'Measuring by the Yard Square as Pavers, Painters, Plasterers and Joiners'. The book is also beautifully illustrated. I don't know whether he became a builder, but his schooling provided the necessary education. It's shameful that we no longer seem able to do the same.
Scottish Sun
2 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Scotland takes on record levels of asylum seekers – amid calls for migrant hotel crackdown & protests loom
Glasgow's administration committee met to seek a solution to the mounting crisis 'BREAKING POINT' Scotland takes on record levels of asylum seekers – amid calls for migrant hotel crackdown & protests loom Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A RECORD number of asylum seekers are now staying in Scots hotels, it has been revealed. The Home Office said 6,107 people are bidding for refugee status, double the total a decade ago. And 1,573 are in taxpayer-funded hotels. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 7 A record number of asylum seekers are now staying in Scots hotels Credit: Andrew Barr 7 Susan Aitken told how a 'rainy day' fund used to cope with the surge had now run dry Credit: Les Gallagher 7 Council chiefs in Scotland's biggest city admit they're buckling under the pressure Credit: PA 7 Hampton by Hilton in Westhill now caters for refugees whose claims are being assessed Credit: Newsline Media Council chiefs in Scotland's biggest city admit they're buckling under the pressure of being the UK's asylum seeker capital — and have begged for extra funding. Residents in Glasgow face council tax rises and cuts to public services to plug a £60million budget shortfall as they struggle to accommodate a surge of new refugees. Home Office figures released show asylum applications across the UK in the 12 months to this June hit an all-time high of 111,084. And 3,884 of them were seeking permission to remain in Glasgow, far outstripping the likes of Birmingham, Liverpool and Manchester. The stats sparked concern the city is now a magnet for migrants who gain refugee status down south and are then kicked out of their accommodation. Susan Aitken, leader of the SNP-run council, told how a 'rainy day' fund used to cope with the surge for two years had now run dry. Now senior figures are demanding extra support from both Holyrood and Westminster. Ms Aitken said: 'Glasgow is not only dealing with demand from the UK's largest dispersed population by far but a sizeable number of additional refugees who can't access support elsewhere in the UK.' She added: 'There are people out there who'd seek to exploit this, and indeed are. We see this happening in our communities in front of us.' Glasgow's administration committee met today to seek a solution to the mounting crisis. Migrants to be kicked out of hotel at centre of protests in landmark ruling after asylum seeker's 'sex attack' A source said the local authority will have little option but to raise tax and cut public services to meet a shortfall of more than £60million if the Home Office and Scottish Government do not step in. Deputy leader Ricky Bell said: 'If we don't have a solution, we are facing a very, very difficult budget position for next February.' And chief exec Susanne Millar, who is pleading for Home Office help, said: 'About 94 per cent of the asylum seekers in Scotland are accommodated in Glasgow.' But the threat of cuts to services was slammed by opposition politicians. Tory MSP Annie Wells said: 'SNP councillors in Glasgow need to accept reality. 7 Tory MSP Annie Wells said SNP councillors in Glasgow "need to accept reality" Credit: Getty 7 The Cladhan Hotel in Falkirk was the scene of recent protests Credit: Andrew Barr 7 Protesters from Save Our Future & Our Kids Future demonstrate against uncontrolled immigration Credit: Getty 'Their cash-strapped authority cannot afford to continue with this increasingly expensive policy. 'Citizens are fed up with pothole-plagued roads and filthy streets. They don't want to pay even more in council tax, to get less in return. 'This is after a housing emergency was declared in the city more than 18 months ago.' Ex-Tory councillor Thomas Kerr, who defected in January to Reform UK, hit out: 'Enough is enough. 'Glasgow is at breaking point, the numbers prove it. SNP and Labour have sold out our own people and put others first time and again.' The city received 1,050 homeless applications in 2024/25 from migrants granted leave to remain in the UK. That was up 51 per cent on the previous year. There are now 4,386 mostly migrant households in temporary homeless accommodation in Glasgow, with 1,850 of them in bed and breakfast or hotel accommodation. Elsewhere in the UK, new refugees have 56 days to leave asylum pads if they can't secure onwards lodgings. But many are encouraged to head north by a Scottish Government pledge to accommodate all homeless people. Top 10 UK Councils for Asylum Seekers Source: Home Office figures for June 2025 Glasgow - 3,844 Birmingham - 2,755 Hillingdon - 2,481 Liverpool - 2,361 Manchester - 1,997 Hounslow - 1,775 Belfast - 1,760 Coventry - 1,733 Sandwell - 1,671 Leeds - 1,659 Across Scotland, the number of asylum seekers in taxpayer-funded hotels hit a record 1,573. They have rooms in 10 local authority areas. Those bidding for refugee status have doubled in a decade to 6,107. The three-star Hampton by Hilton in Westhill, Aberdeenshire, now caters exclusively for refugees whose claims are being assessed. One local said: 'We were never consulted on this. It's all men and they stick out as it's a small town.' Plans to change the hotel's use were shrouded in secrecy before the new guests moved in two years ago. It emerged up to 173 males aged 18 to 40 would be put up there. Another town resident said: 'I think if we had any choice in the matter then the community would have rejected this.' In nearby Aberdeen, what was once the city's only beachfront hotel now houses only migrants. The former Doubletree by Hilton has been the site of several protests in recent months. But one local said: 'It has made me feel sorry for the guys. They are not causing anyone any bother.' In Edinburgh's posh west end, residents have voiced concerns over a range of issues at the 62-bed Learmonth Hotel, which is currently used to house asylum seekers. One man, who didn't want to be named, said there should be more communication from operator Mears. He added: 'It can be quite intimidating walking past when there are 20 or 30 young men standing outside having cigarettes. 'There's a lot of litter and a lot of drinking now, unfortunately.' A UK Government spokeswoman said: 'We are working to make sure individuals have the support they need following an asylum decision to help local authorities better plan their assistance with homelessness. 'We have doubled the move-on period to 56 days and mobilised liaison officers to support asylum seekers in Glasgow.' And a spokesman for the Scottish Government said: 'UK Government decisions about the asylum system are creating significant pressures across the UK. We support the call from Glasgow City Council for them to provide adequate funding to support newly recognised refugees and communities."
Western Telegraph
3 hours ago
- Western Telegraph
Army spends £118m on more systems to shoot down missiles and drones
The £118 million move will double the number of British-made Land Ceptor systems available to the British Army. It said they could be deployed both in the UK and overseas. The new equipment will form part of Sky Sabre, a state-of-the-art defence system that can intercept munitions and aircraft. It replaced the previous Rapier system, which had run since the 1970s. The MRAD (medium range air defence) system will be made by manufacturer MBDA in Bolton. The Government said 140 jobs will be supported by the move. The Sky Sabre system replaced the former Rapier short range air defences, pictured during a training exercise in Blackheath ahead of of the 2012 Olympics (PA/Lewis Whyld) Defence minister Luke Pollard said: 'We are delivering on the strategic defence review by equipping our armed forces with state-of-the art equipment to help keep us safe. Doubling our deployable Sky Sabre capability will strengthen the UK's air defences, protect UK forces abroad, and deter our adversaries. 'Through this investment we are supporting over 100 jobs across the UK, with more to come.' The Land Ceptor systems are able to hit a tennis-ball sized object which is travelling at twice the speed of sound. The Sky Sabre operation can control 24 missiles at one time. As part of the system, the Land Ceptors operate alongside radar and a wider command and control centre. However, they are also able to be used on their own. Sky Sabre was recently tested as part of a Nato exercise in the Outer Hebrides, the Ministry of Defence said. It has already been deployed in Poland, as part of Nato operations with on eye on Russia. Commanding Officer of the 16th Regiment Royal Artillery, Lt Col James Boutle, said: 'Sky Sabre represents a step change in the UK's ground-based air defence capability. 'As the Army's most advanced air defence system, it provides a powerful shield against modern airborne threats, from fast jets to precision-guided weapons and drones. 'For 16th Regiment Royal Artillery, operating Sky Sabre is both a privilege and a responsibility – ensuring we are trained and ready to strengthen the UK's contribution to Nato when called upon. 'As part of this, we work hand-in-hand with industry partners, such as MBDA here in the UK, to continuously optimise the system to ensure it remains on the cutting edge – a collaboration that guarantees we stay ahead of adversary technology.'
