Tories gave go-ahead to buy £15m asylum site despite risks
The Guardian|November 15, 2024
Leading Tories Robert Jenrick and Oliver Dowden were on the committee which backed plans for the "rushed and misjudged" £15m purchase of an asbestos-ridden site for asylum accommodation, Whitehall's spending watchdog has disclosed.
Rajeev Syal Diane Taylor
Tories gave go-ahead to buy £15m asylum site despite risks

The then immigration minister and the former chancellor of the duchy of Lancaster were members of the Small Ministerial Group which oversaw the purchase of Northeye site in Bexhill, East Sussex, as the government attempted to move asylum seekers from hotels.

Jenrick, the shadow justice minister, ultimately signed off the payment of £15.2m for the abandoned prison site a year after the previous owners bought it from the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) for £6m.

The government "chose to dispense with some established processes" to acquire the Northeye site for asylum accommodation at pace, leading to increased costs.

Auditors found that the main risks on the site were ground contamination, asbestos in buildings, flooding risks and issues with mains connection to utilities. It estimated that repairs could cost £20m.

Bu hikaye The Guardian dergisinin November 15, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

Bu hikaye The Guardian dergisinin November 15, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

THE GUARDIAN DERGISINDEN DAHA FAZLA HIKAYETümünü görüntüle
Pension funds Can chancellor win investment boost with 'megafund'?
The Guardian

Pension funds Can chancellor win investment boost with 'megafund'?

What is Rachel Reeves planning?

time-read
2 dak  |
November 15, 2024
'I'd pay to play the Ryder Cup': McIlroy's barb at US fee plan
The Guardian

'I'd pay to play the Ryder Cup': McIlroy's barb at US fee plan

Rory McIlroy says he would pay to play in the Ryder Cup after it emerged that US team members could receive $400,000 each for competing against Europe in New York next year.

time-read
1 min  |
November 15, 2024
Borthwick denies feeling pressure to end losing streak
The Guardian

Borthwick denies feeling pressure to end losing streak

Steve Borthwick has insisted he is well equipped to block out the pressure of England's current plight after Rassie Erasmus suggested he is under the pump and may feel like he \"has a gun against his head\".

time-read
2 dak  |
November 15, 2024
St Pauli quit X and hit out at 'hate machine'
The Guardian

St Pauli quit X and hit out at 'hate machine'

St Pauli have become the first major football club to leave X, describing the social media site as a \"hate machine\", and expressing concern that it may influence the outcome of the forthcoming German election.

time-read
1 min  |
November 15, 2024
Scotland must revamp youth development to keep up, says Clarke
The Guardian

Scotland must revamp youth development to keep up, says Clarke

Head coach believes change must come from top as he prepares to face Croatia

time-read
2 dak  |
November 15, 2024
Carsley relief as new-look England seize control of their destiny
The Guardian

Carsley relief as new-look England seize control of their destiny

It was the night when Lee Carsley dropped Harry Kane and came up smelling of roses, this a result not only to avenge the shapeless 2-1 Wembley defeat against Greece in October but to put England on the brink of automatic promotion back into the Nations League's A section.

time-read
4 dak  |
November 15, 2024
'I like these challenges, I like being in constant change'
The Guardian

'I like these challenges, I like being in constant change'

Mayra Ramírez has been on a steep learning curve since moving to Chelsea from Spain in January but would not have it any other way, she tells Suzanne Wrack

time-read
3 dak  |
November 15, 2024
Thousands back fight for girls' toilets at local clubs
The Guardian

Thousands back fight for girls' toilets at local clubs

A coach has sparked a grassroots movement to improve inclusivity in football: by demanding that toilets are opened for girls.

time-read
2 dak  |
November 15, 2024
Tyson happy for money to talk amid mayhem
The Guardian

Tyson happy for money to talk amid mayhem

Despite all the hype, veteran knows there is nothing new to say before the charade of his fight with a YouTube star

time-read
5 dak  |
November 15, 2024
Raducanu in discussions to hire renowned fitness trainer Nakamura
The Guardian

Raducanu in discussions to hire renowned fitness trainer Nakamura

Former US Open champion has struggled with series of injuries throughout career

time-read
3 dak  |
November 15, 2024