Minister Admits Failings Over Crowborough Asylum Seeker Camp Rollout

The Government minister responsible for asylum accommodation has admitted mistakes were made over the way plans for a temporary asylum seeker site in Crowborough were communicated to local leaders and residents.

Speaking to MPs this week, Border Security and Asylum Minister Alex Norris said he "deeply regretted" how the situation had been handled.

Plans to use the former military training camp in Crowborough to house up to 540 male asylum seekers have divided opinion locally since they were announced last October.

Mr Norris acknowledged that local MPs and council leaders learned about the proposals through media reports rather than directly from the Home Office.

He told the Home Affairs Committee that the Government had failed in its handling of the Crowborough site and said responsibility for that rested with him.

The minister said lessons had been learned and pledged that future proposals would be communicated more effectively.

However, while accepting there were shortcomings during the initial stages, he defended the Government's approach since then, saying officials had continued to engage with local authorities and the community.

The comments come as concerns remain over the future of the site.

A spokesperson for Wealden District Council said the authority recognised the national challenge of housing asylum seekers but criticised what it described as a lack of timely information and engagement from the Home Office.

The council said better communication could have reduced uncertainty and tensions within the local community.

Wealden District Council has also raised concerns after discovering details in court documents suggesting government departments have agreed an option that could allow the site to remain open until 2030.

The authority says that appears to conflict with previous assurances that the camp would operate for no longer than 12 months.

Council leaders say they will continue to press the Home Office for greater transparency and a more coordinated approach as discussions over the future of the site continue.