Page 56 - BR August 2023

August 2023 August 2023
BERE REGIS CRICKET CLUB scheme. It is essential that we can continue to meet residents’ needs while also
RESULTS 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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