Committee publication · Correspondence · 3 June 2026
Letter from East Sussex County Council relating to the use of Crowborough Training Camp for Asylum Accommodation 15.04.2026
From: Home Affairs Committee
Inquiry: Asylum Accommodation: Follow Up
Summary
East Sussex County Council's Chief Executive responds to Home Affairs Committee questions about the Crowborough Training Camp's use for asylum accommodation. The Council reports limited upfront engagement with the Home Office, receives only basic occupancy data, has not been offered funding despite potential service impacts, and identifies concerns about public communication strategy and community engagement before the site opened in January 2026.
Key findings
- ESCC was first informed of plans in October 2025 via a confidential meeting, with ministerial decision made 21 January 2026 and site opening 22 January 2026
- Home Office information-sharing was 'extremely limited' before ministerial approval; an Operational Working Group was established but had no Terms of Reference and was not minuted
- Council receives only 'adequate but basic' occupancy updates (originally weekly, now fortnightly) and has requested additional demographic information about vulnerabilities and social care needs still under Home Office consideration
- No funding has been offered or requested by ESCC; Council bears costs within statutory duties, expected to be minimal given small population and low need levels
- Council identifies gaps in public engagement strategy: community engagement pre-opening was 'very limited and appeared reactive', leading to misinformation circulation; Home Office communication has improved since site opening
Tone
ProceduralTopics
Key actors
Becky Shaw, Rt Hon Dame Karen Bradley MP, East Sussex County Council, Home Office, Clearsprings Ready Homes, South East Strategic Partnership for Migration (SESPM)
Notable line
“This information is adequate but basic and does not allow for any planning for impact on our services.”
Key Quotes
“Information shared by the Home Office was extremely limited at this time as there had been no ministerial decision to proceed with CTC.”
“This information is adequate but basic and does not allow for any planning for impact on our services.”
“Engagement with the local community prior to the ministerial decision and opening of the site was very limited and appeared reactive.”
“Yes – with the exception that there was not a clear, managed public engagement strategy about Home Office plans for the site which would have supported our position and appropriately informed local residents.”
Source · parliament.uk record ↗