Hillingdon Council Faces £2 Million Challenge Due to Chagos Arrivals

Hillingdon Council Faces Significant Financial Strain from Chagos Islands Arrivals

Impact of Chagossian Arrivals in Heathrow on Hillingdon Council Budget

Hillingdon Council has raised serious concerns regarding the financial strain caused by the arrival of individuals from the Chagos Islands. Since July, Heathrow Airport has seen the arrival of 621 Chagossian individuals to the UK, with 157 more expected to land this week. While governmental aid supports these individuals for the initial 10 days, the responsibility then falls on the local council to provide continuing assistance.

Hillingdon Council’s Projected Costs and Challenges

According to estimates by Hillingdon Council, the financial burden to accommodate these newcomers could reach up to £2 million by the end of the year. Councillor Steve Tuckwell, who serves as the cabinet member for Planning, Housing and Growth, emphasized that local taxpayers are bearing the brunt of these additional expenses.

“Our officers are stretched, essential services are under immense pressure, and still the Government expects local councils to cope without adequate support. This is unsustainable,” Cllr Tuckwell stated.

Call for Government Action and Support

The council is urging immediate action from the government to fully fund the costs incurred due to its own policies and to alleviate the financial strain on local residents. Cllr Tuckwell stressed that the responsibility should not lie with Hillingdon residents while calling for a fair and effective resolution.

Similar Concerns from Other Councils

Hillingdon is not alone in this challenge; similar warnings have been issued by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Crawley Borough Council, highlighting a broader issue experienced by councils across the UK.