Cost of detaining migrants rises to nearly £100,000 per year
Just one detention place in an immigration removal centre will cost taxpayers nearly £100,000 a year, reports BritPanorama.
This estimate follows a £1 billion offer from the Home Office for a contractor to manage Heathrow’s migrant centre, which has specific sites in Harmondsworth and Colnbrook, west of London, accommodating up to 1,093 detainees.
With approximately 12,000 individuals passing through the centre each year, the operational aspects are significant. The facility is currently managed by private contractor Mitie, with a new deal on the table for the period from 2028 until 2038.
For every year of the contract, each detention space will cost the public purse £98,975, which encompasses security, food, accommodation, and recreational activities for detainees. This figure starkly contrasts with the Ministry of Justice’s estimates, which suggest that maintaining a prison place in the UK costs around £52,000 annually.
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp expressed strong disapproval, stating, “This is madness. We should come out of the ECHR and modern slavery treaty so illegal immigrants and foreign criminals can be rapidly, cheaply deported.”
In addition to basic accommodation, detainees in IRCs are afforded several educational opportunities, including art classes, IT lessons, and access to maths tutors. They are also entitled to in-house NHS treatment and 24-hour welfare support.
The Home Office has been approached for comments regarding these developments.
The debate surrounding immigration detention finances highlights the complexities of balancing humane treatment within the immigration system against the significant costs borne by taxpayers. As discussions continue, clarity on operational efficiency and budget allocations remains essential.
