Gainsborough's MP says Home Office has reduced the number of migrants it plans to house at Scampton

The number of asylum seekers due to be housed at the former base has reduced from 2,000 to 800

Author: Julie CastonPublished 18th Mar 2024
Last updated 18th Mar 2024

Gainsborough's MP says he's received a letter confirming the Home Office has now reduced the amount of migrants they plan to house at the former RAF Scampton site from 2,000 to 800.

Sir Edward Leigh says he's now seeking further assurances the accommodation will be temporary, and to get the majority of the site released to the Council so regeneration works can get underway.

The Home office says this decision is separate from ongoing planning decisions.

The cap will be for regular occupancy. The letter states if required capacity could be increased by a further 300 for a defined period of time.

The letter was from the Minister for Legal Migration and the border Tom Pursglove. In it he says:

"It is important that we are reducing hotel costs and delivering our asylum accommodation sites in a safe and orderly manner.

"Implementing a cap on occupation demonstrates that our priority is listening to local concerns, mitigating impacts, and managing the site safely.

"The capacity cap allows us to maintain absolute focus on service delivery."

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