‘I am extremely concerned’: Police chief calls for more funding for controversial Bicester asylum camp
The Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner has asked the Government for additional funding to cover the cost of policing a proposed asylum camp near Bicester.
In a letter to Border Security and Asylum Minister Anna Turley MP, Matthew Barber outlines the expected demand on policing, including increased neighbourhood patrols and managing protest activity once the facility near Piddington is occupied.
He 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.”
Thames Valley Police will be able to apply for financial support from the Government. However, current Home Office policy does not allow police forces to recover the full costs arising from the establishment of large asylum accommodation sites.
Mr Barber 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.”