Cllr Laura Beddow, Dorset Council Portfolio Holder for Culture and Communities, said:
“Over recent weeks, Dorset Council has been negotiating with the Home Office to secure an appropriate funding package for our work on the Portland barge scheme. It is essential that we can continue to meet residents’ needs while also providing new services for asylum seekers, without any additional pressure on local taxpayers.
“The funding that has been agreed – £3,500 per occupied bed space – will allow us to fulfil our duties. In addition, a one-off payment of £377,000 will help provide asylum seekers with activities, volunteering opportunities and English-speaking lessons, which will be delivered through our superb local voluntary and community organisations.
“We have been working very closely with our partners, including Dorset Police and NHS Dorset, as well as with the Home Office and Portland Port to ensure robust arrangements are in place. This includes additional community safety officers in Portland and Weymouth, extending the operational hours of the CCTV in the area, providing safeguarding training for barge staff, and working in partnership with local voluntary and community organisations.
“The decision to site a floating barge in Portland Port for 500 asylum seekers was made by the Home Office and facilitated through a commercial arrangement with Portland Port. Dorset Council was not consulted and had no decision-making powers over this arrangement.
“From the outset, Dorset councillors have been clear about their concerns and opposition to the location of this scheme. The council explored options to pursue legal action to challenge the Home Office’s decision. Following specialist legal advice and the experience of other councils across the country, Dorset Council made the decision not to take legal action as it was unlikely to be successful and would incur high costs to local taxpayers.
“The council, as a statutory organisation, has legal duties to fulfil to everyone who is resident in the area. This includes the asylum seekers who will be housed on the barge. We believe it is in everyone’s best interest for us to play our role in minimising any impact on local services and ensuring arrangements run as smoothly as possible.”
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