Council Announces Agreement on Housing for Illegal Immigrants at Dambusters Airbase
The plans entail utilizing 10 percent of a base to accommodate 800 asylum seekers, representing progress in achieving the council’s regeneration objectives.
Two district councils have ceased legal challenges against the Home Office regarding proposed plans to house illegal immigrants at disused RAF bases, including RAF Scampton, previously the home of the 617 “Dambuster” Squadron.
As part of the government’s initiative to transition illegal immigrants from hotels to larger sites, the Home Office obtained Special Development Orders (SDOs) for both former RAF bases earlier this year.
WLDC and BDC lost a High Court battle in December where Judge Mrs. Justice Thornton deemed lawful the decision to house asylum seekers at these locations. Initially, both councils had expressed intent to appeal the ruling.
Protecting Regeneration Plans ‘a Priority’
WLDC stated that the agreement with the Home Office outlines the site’s use for a set period until October 2027, with a portion earmarked for development and rejuvenation. The project will involve £300 million investment in preserving and enhancing the site’s aviation history for business, educational, and aerospace endeavors.
Upon establishing a legal agreement, two listed hangars, the listed officers’ mess hall, and Wing Commander Guy Gibson’s dog’s grave will transfer to WLDC, as per the local authority.
The Dambusters originated from the Lincolnshire airbase and played a significant role in the 1943 raid known as “Operation Chastise,” which targeted two dams in Nazi Germany’s Ruhr valley.
Councilor Trevor Young, WLDC’s leader, emphasized that while the site might not be ideal for extensive asylum housing, safeguarding the site’s investment and regeneration plans takes precedence. The agreement fosters collaboration with the Home Office to support the investment and rejuvenation plan through a joint utilization proposal.
Braintree
Leader of BDC Graham Butland remarked, “After careful consideration, we have decided to safeguard our resources and funds at this time.”
“The legal challenges’ costs have been borne by taxpayers across the Braintree district, a crucial factor in making this decision,” added Mr. Butland.
‘Little to Show’ for Money Spent So Far
The councils’ statements followed stern criticism from the House of Commons Public Accounts Committee (PAC) concerning the Home Office’s asylum strategy. The committee’s report released on Wednesday cast doubt on the Home Office’s lack of a viable plan to relocate illegal immigrants to Rwanda, with minimal outcomes after significant expenditures thus far.
The PAC report specifically cited the Home Office’s Large Sites Programme for housing illegal immigrants, highlighting the Scampton and Wethersfield sites’ reduced capacity from initial estimates, escalating per-person costs. The report underscored substantial cost overruns, shifting from initial budget estimates.
A Home Office spokesperson defended the Department’s actions in response to the PAC report, highlighting adherence to standard procurement processes and continuous evaluation and learning from procurement exercises.
The Epoch Times has reached out to the Home Office for additional comments.
PA Media contributed to this report.
