🚨 PCC calls for additional funding to police MOD Bicester asylum camp

🚨 PCC calls for additional funding to police MOD Bicester asylum camp

Hi Resident,

Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner, Matthew Barber, has called on the Government to provide full funding for the increased policing costs associated with the proposed asylum camp at MOD Bicester.

Matthew said: “I am extremely concerned about the additional burden the Government's proposed asylum camp at MOD Bicester will have on local policing.

“The force has reviewed the numbers and, if planning permission was to be granted at the site, we estimate the additional cost to Thames Valley Police would be around £1.7 million per annum during the construction phase.”

While Thames Valley Police will be able to apply for some financial support from the Government, current Home Office policy does not allow police forces to recover the full costs arising from the establishment of large asylum accommodation sites in local force areas.

Matthew added: “It is unacceptable that police forces cannot seek full cost recovery for the additional policing burdens that will inevitably result from the establishment of large asylum accommodation sites.

“Taxpayers in Thames Valley are already being asked to make up funding shortfalls in several areas of policing. They should not be expected to bear further costs associated with policing protests and managing the substantial population increase that would result from this proposal.

“I urge the Government to review the Home Office’s cost recovery policy in relation to large asylum sites before any further decisions on MOD Bicester are made.”

The PCC’s full release and letter to the Minister for Border Security and Asylum can be viewed on our website: https://www.thamesvalley-pcc.gov.uk/news/pcc-calls-for-additional-funding-to-police-mod-bicester-asylum-camp/