Care home pulls out of Kent asylum-seeker deal

Kent County Council said the building was one of seven facilities it had identified to open as a UASC reception centre

The owners of a care home that was set to accommodate unaccompanied asylum-seeking children (UASC) in Kent have pulled out of a deal with the council.

It comes after they said a letter to residents, outlining the plans, had been sent by Kent County Council "without prior arrangement" before a final decision.

Ocean Heights Residential Home in Sheppey will now be commissioned to provide residential care for elderly and disabled residents, its owners said.

The leader of the council, Roger Gough, described the withdrawal from the sale as "disappointing".

The council had previously said it was so overwhelmed by the number of UASC arrivals, it might have to stop taking local youngsters into care.

But the High Court ruled last year that it must take "every possible step" to increase its capacity to accommodate those arriving in the county.

Government funding is now being used to acquire seven new properties to serve as reception centres for UASC.

In a letter sent to those living near Ocean Heights in March, the council said works would start "very soon" to allow it to open for children arriving in spring and summer.

It added that the temporary home would provide 50 places to children aged 16 and 17. But the move has prompted protests from some residents.

'Growing speculation'

Liz and Ernie Batten, the owners of the property, said they understood the council "needed to address the growing speculation by providing clear communication" to locals.

"But we are disappointed that such a letter was sent out without prior agreement in advance of a full decision," they said.

“We considered all the facts of the proposed use and have advised KCC of our intention to withdraw from the transfer."

They added that they hoped its use as a home for elderly and disabled residents would "serve to fill the void created by local closures".

Mr Gough said the council had been "transparent" about the arrangements for new reception centres.

"Given our legal responsibilities, and the High Court's direction, we are establishing the additional reception centres and will identify other suitable locations to accommodate the increasing numbers of unaccompanied minors arriving on our shores."

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