The UK Home Office has launched an investigation into reports that some asylum seekers housed at the Crowborough Training Camp in Sussex may be leaving the site and travelling to London. Officials say the matter will be reviewed urgently as part of ongoing monitoring of the facility.
Home Office minister Mike Tapp said he had not personally received confirmed reports but stressed that such behaviour would not be acceptable if proven. He explained that strict procedures are in place at the site, including round-the-clock security, CCTV monitoring, and a system requiring residents to sign in and out when entering or leaving the camp.
The Crowborough centre began receiving residents at the end of January as part of the Government’s plan to phase out the use of hotels for asylum accommodation. The former military base can house up to 500 adult male asylum seekers while their claims are processed.
Although residents are free to leave because the facility is not a detention centre, authorities expect them to remain available for immigration procedures, including asylum interviews or potential removal from the UK. The Home Office says knowing the whereabouts of individuals in the asylum system is essential for both support and enforcement.
Why is the Crowborough site being used for migrants? The Government says it is part of a wider strategy to reduce reliance on hotels, which previously cost millions of pounds per day. Ministers argue that using former military sites is more cost-effective and easier to manage than placing asylum seekers in commercial accommodation.
Local reaction to the site has been mixed, with some residents raising concerns about safety and pressure on local services. Protests have taken place since the Government confirmed the base would be used for migrant housing.
The Home Office says the number of hotels used to house asylum seekers has dropped significantly compared with previous years. Officials add that overall asylum accommodation costs have also fallen, which they link to new policies aimed at speeding up decisions and increasing removals.
The investigation into movements from Crowborough comes as the Government continues to highlight deportation efforts and new return agreements with countries including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola, and Namibia. Ministers say these agreements are key to ensuring that people who do not qualify for protection can be returned more quickly.
Migration support groups, however, warn that frequent relocations and uncertainty can make life difficult for asylum seekers who are already vulnerable. They say clear communication and access to legal support remain crucial while cases are being processed.
The Home Office has not yet confirmed whether any rules have been broken but says it will review procedures if needed to ensure the system works as intended.