Ministers warn of staggering increase in costs if crossings continue
The annual cost of housing small boat migrants could quadruple to £11 billion within three years if crossings continue, ministers have warned. This comes as the Home Office's top mandarin revealed that even more cash will be given to Rwanda on top of the £290 million already set for the African country.
Growing Tory rebellion prompts release of legal advice on Rwanda scheme
Downing Street has published the government's legal advice on the Rwanda scheme in an attempt to squash a growing Tory rebellion. The advice points to modelling that shows taxpayers will be responsible for eye-watering sums, well beyond the current £8 million for migrant hotels, if the problem is not addressed.
Asylum accommodation costs could reach £11 billion per year by 2026
The government estimates that if illegal immigration is not addressed, the annual costs of asylum accommodation alone could increase to £32 million per day by 2026, which is equivalent to £11 billion per year. The paper stresses the need for the government to use all available powers to prevent and deter unlawful migration.
Money to be handed over to Rwanda beyond 2027
Home Office chief Sir Matthew Rycroft confirmed that money will continue to be given to Rwanda beyond the end of the migration deal in 2027. The exact costs for the fourth and fifth years are not disclosed yet. There is a "break clause" in the deal which allows either side to walk away with three months' notice, even if Rwanda does not accept any asylum seekers.
Rwanda could keep the money even without accepting asylum seekers
MPs have been told that Rwanda could walk away from the migration deal and keep the money, even if it does not accept any asylum seekers. However, there is a presumption that the UK government will want to continue the partnership, given its importance in the overall efforts to stop the boats.
No upper limit on the cost of dealing with illegal migration
The cost of dealing with illegal migration and small boats has no upper limit, according to the Home Office's most senior civil servant Sir Matthew Rycroft. He explained that there are too many variables to determine the exact costs. The majority of the expenses are for accommodation to deal with asylum, and decisions will be made on an annual basis.
