The Public Accounts Committee criticized the Home Office for hastily acquiring a derelict prison for £15.4 million to accommodate asylum seekers, labeling it an "unacceptable waste" of taxpayer money. The report indicated that the Home Office neglected expert advice in its rush to create 1,400 bed spaces and failed to ensure financial protection for public funds. In response, a Home Office representative acknowledged the report's findings relate to a previous government decision and confirmed they would not proceed with the site to safeguard taxpayer interests.
The Public Accounts Committee found the Home Office "rushed" to spend public money to cut costs for supporting asylum seekers, but has "very little to show for its efforts."
The cross-party committee said the government body ignored expert advice available at the time during its bid to buy former HMP Northeye in efforts to secure 1,400 bed spaces.
A Home Office spokesperson stated: "The contents of this report relate to the previous government's purchase of the Northeye site for asylum accommodation, but we have decided against progressing the site to ensure value for money for the taxpayer."
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