Ministers Warn of Soaring Costs

The annual cost of housing small boat migrants is predicted to quadruple to £11 billion within three years if crossings continue, according to government ministers. The Home Office has already allocated £290 million to Rwanda, and additional funding is expected to be provided. Downing Street has released the government's legal advice on the Rwanda scheme in an attempt to quell a growing rebellion within the Conservative Party.

Eye-Watering Sums at Stake

Modelling by the government suggests that taxpayers could be on the hook for even more substantial sums, far exceeding the current £8 million spent on migrant hotels. If illegal immigration is not addressed, the costs of asylum accommodation alone could reach £32 million per day by 2026, equivalent to £11 billion per year. The government is therefore under pressure to use all available powers to prevent and deter unlawful migration.

Further Funding and Potential Break Clause

Home Office chief Sir Matthew Rycroft has confirmed that more money will be allocated to Rwanda over the coming years, extending the current deal until 2027. However, there is a "break clause" in the agreement, allowing either side to terminate it with three months' notice. Even if Rwanda does not accept any asylum-seekers, it could still keep the money already paid. There is an expectation that the UK government will want to continue with the partnership due to its importance in the overall efforts to stop illegal crossings.

Uncertainty and Variable Costs

The cost of dealing with illegal migration and small boats has no upper limit, according to Sir Matthew Rycroft. The Home Office's top civil servant explained that there are too many variables involved. While officials deny writing blank cheques, the majority of funding is allocated to accommodation for asylum-seekers and will be determined on an annual basis. The payment to Rwanda, although significant, is dwarfed by the amount spent on accommodation.