Scampton: community update newsletter
Updated 22 May 2024
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/asylum-accommodation-scampton/scampton-community-update-newsletter
May 2024
Key information to update the local community about the Scampton site
This newsletter has been developed to help provide you, the local community, with updates and future developments on the site, answers to questions you may have and provide reassurances to your concerns.
News
Safety of Rwanda Act
The Safety of Rwanda Act received Royal Assent on 25 April 2024, alongside ratification of the Treaty with Rwanda. This is a significant step forward as we work towards the delivery of a first flight to Rwanda, as set out by the Prime Minister. This legislation builds on the objectives set out in the Illegal Migration Act 2023 and the Nationality and Borders Act 2022. Together, it forms a key part of a top priority for the Government to reduce the level and impact of illegal migration to the UK.
The Safety of Rwanda Act:
- confirms that Rwanda is a safe third country for the purposes of removing individuals to Rwanda
- confirms that Rwanda has agreed to fulfil its obligations under the UK’s treaty with Rwanda
- makes clear the very limited scope for individuals to challenge their removal to Rwanda
- applies in its entirety on a UK-wide basis, including in Northern Ireland
More information can be found on GOV.UK:
Wethersfield, Bibby Stockholm and Scampton are non-detained sites and there is no current intention of asylum seekers being directly transferred from these sites for flights to Rwanda.
Any illegal migrant who is here illegally, including those who arrived illegally, could be in scope. Individuals in scope will be housed across the UK within a range of asylum accommodation.
Scampton Special Development Order - planning conditions
In October 2023, the Home Office informed local stakeholders for Scampton of its intention to seek planning permission through a Special Development Order (SDO).
An SDO was laid on 21 March 2024 to extend the use of Scampton for a further three years, with up to six months’ decommissioning. In line with parliamentary convention, the Order came into effect 21 days later, on Thursday 11th April 2024.
The permission ensures that the Home Secretary can continue to fulfil his statutory duties to accommodate asylum seekers who would otherwise be destitute in a manner which reduces the use of inappropriate hotels.
As part of the SDO, there are several conditions that need to be met. The Home Office is working closely with colleagues at the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) to work through the conditions and more details can be found on in the SDO.
We have also been working closely with the Ministry of Defence and recognise Scampton’s place in history, most notably for its contribution in the Second World War. The Home Office has also been engaging with statutory partners including West Lindsey District Council, Lincolnshire County Council and Lincolnshire Police.
Police information
Police respond to calls for service in and around the local area following reports of crime and disorder on a variety of issues, in a variety of locations, and at any time of the day and night. If an incident has been reported, or there has been police activity in the area, rumour and speculation are discouraged as information which spreads online is often not based in facts.
Checking the police website or their social media channels is the best place to find accurate information, and you can also always approach the local Neighbourhood Policing Teams or Scampton Liaison Team if you have concerns. Their details can be found on their local newsletter.
Contact us
We understand the community may have various questions and concerns relating to these plans. We endeavour to keep you updated however, if you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us:
Home Office
Direct Communications Unit
2 Marsham Street
London
SW1P 4DF
Email: public.enquiries@homeoffice.gov.uk
Telephone: 020 7035 4848