Ministers warn of escalating costs and reveal additional funding for Rwanda
The annual cost of housing small boat migrants in the UK could quadruple to £11 billion within three years if the number of crossings continues, ministers have warned. This comes as the Home Office's top mandarin, Sir Matthew Rycroft, admitted that additional funding will be provided to Rwanda on top of the £290 million already allocated to the African country.
Government's legal advice highlights the escalating costs
Downing Street has published the government's legal advice on the Rwanda migration scheme in an attempt to quell a growing rebellion within the Conservative Party. The advice points to modelling that shows taxpayers could face costs well beyond the current £8 million for housing migrants in hotels if the issue is not addressed. The paper states that if illegal immigration is left unaddressed, the costs of asylum accommodation alone could reach £32 million per day by 2026, equivalent to £11 billion per year. The government is therefore urged to use all available powers to prevent and deter unlawful migration.
More funding to be provided to Rwanda
Sir Matthew Rycroft has confirmed that additional funding will be given to Rwanda for further instalments of the migration deal, which is set to end in 2027. However, the exact costs for the fourth and fifth years of the deal were not disclosed. The revelation came as Sir Matthew gave evidence to the Public Accounts Committee, explaining why the costs had significantly increased. He also revealed that there is a "break clause" in the deal, allowing both sides to walk away with three months' notice. If the UK initiates the break clause, Rwanda can keep the money already paid. However, it is presumed that the UK government will want to continue with the partnership to combat illegal migration.
Rwanda could keep the money without accepting asylum seekers
MPs were informed that Rwanda could potentially keep the money from the migration deal, even if it does not accept any asylum seekers. Sir Matthew Rycroft stated that if Rwanda broke the terms of the deal, they would have to repay the cash proportionately. Whether or not they would have to accept an asylum seeker in order to keep the money would depend on the circumstances.
No upper limit on the cost of dealing with illegal migration
Officials have confirmed that there is no upper limit on the cost of dealing with illegal migration and small boats. Sir Matthew Rycroft explained that there are too many variables to determine a fixed cost. While officials denied writing blank cheques for the issue, they stated that the majority of the funds are allocated to accommodation for asylum seekers, and decisions on funding will be made on an annual basis.
