Committee publication · Correspondence · 3 June 2026
Letter to the Highland Council relating to the use of Cameron Barracks for asylum accommodation 25.03.2026
From: Home Affairs Committee
Inquiry: Asylum Accommodation: Follow Up
Summary
The Home Affairs Committee writes to Highland Council leader Cllr Raymond Bremner on 25 March 2026 seeking information about the Home Office's plan to use Cameron Barracks for asylum accommodation. The Committee is examining Government expansion of large asylum sites and requests details on council consultation, planning/licensing requirements, suitability concerns, local service impacts, funding, and Home Office engagement.
Key findings
- Committee is conducting inquiry into Home Office management of asylum accommodation and expansion of large sites, specifically examining Cameron Barracks use
- Highland Council previously raised concerns about site suitability to the Home Secretary, which the Committee seeks to understand
- Letter seeks clarification on planning and licensing requirements the site must meet before use for asylum housing
- Committee inquiring whether Home Office consulted on local service capacity (social care, etc.) and what funding has been offered to the Council
- Committee questioning adequacy of Home Office engagement with Council and local community on the planned use
Tone
ProceduralTopics
Key actors
Home Affairs Committee, Cllr Raymond Bremner, The Highland Council, Home Office, Rt Hon Dame Karen Bradley MP, Home Secretary
Notable line
“We intend to look at the rationale for using Cameron Barracks on a temporary basis and examine how the Home Office has approached the opening of the site.”
Key Quotes
“We are now planning to examine the Government's expansion of the use of large sites.”
“We understand that you have written to the Home Secretary to raise concerns about the suitability of the site.”
Source · parliament.uk record ↗