Written question asked by Priti Patel (Conservative) on Monday, 16 October 2023, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 18 October 2023. It was answered by Robert Jenrick (Conservative) on Tuesday, 24 October 2023 on behalf of the Home Office.

Asylum: MOD Wethersfield

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what estimate she has made of the net financial costs to public services in Essex of the Wethersfield asylum seeker accommodation site.

Answer: The Home Office is carefully considering the impact on local services including the NHS, police, fire services and social care and we are working with local partners to develop bespoke plans that take account of potential issues including local public safety, local health services, local environmental issues, impact on local services and any risks associated with each site. Financial support is being provided to Braintree District Council, and primary healthcare is available onsite to ensure there is no impact on local GPs. The government provides £3,500 to local authorities for new and occupied dispersal beds. This £3,500 funding for local authorities is being provided to Braintree District Council for the site at Wethersfield.

Secondary information