The purchase of an asbestos-ridden site for asylum accommodation in East Sussex has come under scrutiny by the National Audit Office (NAO). The report revealed that leading Tory politicians, including Robert Jenrick and Oliver Dowden, supported the rushed and misjudged £15m acquisition of the Northeye site in Bexhill.
Jenrick, who was the immigration minister at the time, and Dowden, the former chancellor of the duchy of Lancaster, were part of the small ministerial group that oversaw the purchase. The government decided to bypass established processes to acquire the site quickly, resulting in increased costs. The NAO identified various risks associated with the site, such as ground contamination, asbestos in buildings, flooding risks, and utility connection issues, which could require over £20m to address.
Despite warnings from the Cabinet Office about significant risks, Jenrick proceeded with the deal, ultimately paying £15.4m for the abandoned prison site. The decision-making process was criticized for being rushed and misjudged, leading to the Home Office overpaying for an asylum accommodation site that was deemed unfit for purpose.
The site, which was previously used by the RAF and later as a detention center, fell into disrepair before being purchased by private investors. The Home Office initially planned to lease the site for £6m a year before deciding to buy it for a significantly higher price. However, the site was ultimately deemed unsuitable due to contamination issues.
In response to the report, a Home Office spokesperson emphasized the need to restore order to the asylum system to ensure swift, firm, and fair operations. The investigation highlighted the challenges and consequences of rushed decision-making processes in government acquisitions, particularly when it comes to critical services such as asylum accommodation.
Additionally, a recent thinktank report criticized the Home Office for poor budgeting, leading to repeated overspending on asylum support. Despite initial budget estimates of £320m, the department reportedly spent £7.9bn over a three-year period. This raises concerns about the financial management and oversight of crucial services for asylum seekers.
The case of the Northeye site serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of thorough due diligence, proper planning, and transparent decision-making in government acquisitions. It underscores the need for accountability, oversight, and adherence to established processes to prevent costly mistakes and ensure the effective use of public funds in providing essential services.