The arrivals of individuals through irregular routes has occupied much of the news cycle over recent days following a record day for small boat arrivals. While much focus is on the impact of small boat crossings, we in Hillingdon have always been at the front line of supporting asylum arrivals as the port authority for Heathrow Airport.
We know that this has been an issue for a number of years. Hillingdon has been responsible for caring for a large number of asylum seekers, causing additional burdens on the council’s budget. Already struggling with financial challenges, the council has been left high and dry without additional funding from central government. Indeed, in the council’s budget for this year, it was made clear that, with a reduced funding envelope forthcoming, the challenges of supporting asylum seekers are causing significant pressure on their ability to deliver the comprehensive services residents expect.
During today’s Oral Questions to the Home Secretary, I outlined the concerns of our excellent local authority and pushed her department to engage with Hillingdon while providing the additional funding needed. I am deeply disappointed that the Home Secretary refused to commit to providing this support and instead chose to make a party political point.
