Wethersfield: factsheet
Updated 16 October 2024
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/asylum-accommodation-wethersfield/wethersfield-factsheet
October 2024
What is the purpose of the Wethersfield site?
The government has a statutory obligation to provide asylum seekers who would otherwise be destitute with accommodation, but in recent years, the costs of doing so have reached unsustainable levels.
The government is determined to restore order to the asylum system so that it operates swiftly, firmly, and fairly; and ensures the rules are properly enforced. We are seeking to reduce the backlog of claims and appeals, end the use of hotels, and cut the cost of other asylum accommodation as soon as possible.
The asylum accommodation site at Wethersfield is based on the former MOD site located in Braintree, Essex. It was identified by the Home Office under the former government as a surplus military site that was suitable to accommodate asylum seekers. Wethersfield provides safe accommodation for asylum seekers and is designed to be as self-sufficient as possible.
Who runs the Wethersfield site?
Clearsprings Ready Homes are an experienced, specialist asylum accommodation provider who run the site on behalf of the Home Office. They are responsible for managing asylum seeker accommodation in a safe and secure manner.
The Home Office continues to work closely with stakeholders, including local authorities, our contractors, health, police, and service providers, to ensure that the accommodation is suitable, adequate, and functional.
Who resides at Wethersfield and for how long?
The site accommodates single adult male asylum seekers between the ages of 18 and 65. They arrive at the site following checks against policing and immigration databases. On arrival, they receive a briefing and orientation about the site and the local community, including sessions on anti-social behaviour and road safety. Subject to any individual assessments and special circumstances, the maximum length of stay for individual asylum seekers accommodated on site is usually nine months. Asylum seekers at the site are not detained. The site is self-contained and essential services are provided on site to reduce the impact on local services. The process for leaving this site is the same as the rest of our asylum accommodation.
Full details of the conditions under which asylum-seekers receive accommodation support can be found here: Conditions of support.
How is safety and security protected on site?
The safety and security of the local communities, the staff and those accommodated on the sites are of the utmost importance, with a specialist and experienced provider of security services permanently on site.
We work closely and routinely with Essex Police to ensure appropriate security arrangements are in place for the safety and security of the asylum seekers and the wider community, and the Home Office has agreed a bid from Essex Police to cover their costs associated with Wethersfield. If any criminal activity occurs on site, Clearsprings have robust processes in place to report incidents to the police.
The Home Office also continues to engage regularly with representatives from the Council, the NHS, the Police, and local partners to address the concerns of those most impacted by the site and to identify ways to keep them informed. A community newsletter is uploaded to gov.uk on a regular basis to provide updates, the latest version of which is here Wethersfield: community update newsletter: August 2024. Previous editions can also be found here.
Will vulnerable people be accommodated at the site?
Asylum seekers are allocated accommodation on a no choice basis, in line with Home Office published policy. If an individual’s needs cannot be met on site, and they are assessed as unsuitable, they will be moved to alternative accommodation. Evidence about the needs of particular individuals is assessed in line with the criteria published here: Allocation of accommodation.
What health care provision is there on site?
Extensive efforts have been made to minimise the impact on local health services and facilitate primary health care on site.
Primary medical care is delivered on site Monday to Friday, through Home Office funding, by healthcare professionals who offer physical and mental health assessments, and who are able to prescribe medication and refer to alternative healthcare services if required. Asylum seekers are registered with the on-site medical centre so that there is no need for them to register with other local GP practices. In the event of an individual attending or requiring medical treatment from hospital, they will be offered a follow up appointment at the on-site medical centre when they return.
Procedures are in place to support individuals with potential symptoms of an infectious disease, including isolation (single occupancy) spaces on site. The local UKHSA Health Protection Team provides advice and guidance on the management of individuals and contacts with a suspected infectious disease or outbreaks. Individuals will be isolated where this is advised, and pathways are in place to safely manage the transfer of the individual into appropriate accommodation with ongoing care provided.
Can asylum seekers travel to local communities?
A shuttle bus service is provided three times a day to Braintree, Colchester and Chelmsford. Transport is also provided where necessary to enable access to health services not available on site, and to assist asylum seekers who have been given the opportunity to volunteer within the local community (see here: Permission to work and volunteering for asylum seekers)
What facilities are there on site?
Asylum seekers accommodated at Wethersfield are provided with accommodation, laundry facilities and board. Braintree District Council, with the support of the Home Office, have initiated a “Changing Lives” programme which offers sporting activities and coaching, three times a week.
All asylum seekers can contact Migrant Help 24 hours a day, 365 days a year if they need help, advice, or guidance, that includes raising issues relating to safeguarding. From 16 June 2024, Migrant Help have been offering face-to-face appointments to asylum seekers on site across 3 days allowing them to raise any questions that they may have on any matter.
Translated Migrant Help ‘Asylum Advice’ and ‘Asylum Services’ booklets are provided to asylum seekers at induction, alongside translated Home Office ‘Rights and Expectations in the UK’ booklets. Asylum seekers are provided with a list of legal representatives and Migrant Help continues to signpost asylum seekers to Immigration Legal Advisors, including one based in Colchester, which is accessible by shuttle bus.
Legal representatives are permitted to visit the site for meetings with asylum seekers, including out-of-hours visits where required. Private meeting spaces and relevant equipment are provided.
What is the status of the Special Development Order (SDO)?
The Special Development Order, a type of secondary legislation, was laid in Parliament on 21 March 2023 and planning permission came into force on 11 April 2024. The SDO for Wethersfield consists of 27 conditions. We are working to ensure all the conditions are discharged. and remain subject to regular review. To date there are eight conditions which remain outstanding of which four relate to the proposed cap on the number of asylum seekers. Work to discharge the remaining eight conditions is ongoing and we hope to discharge all conditions as soon as reasonably practicable.