We will keep this page updated on news and information relating to the Wethersfield prison proposals by the Ministry of Justice (MOJ).
Asylum Large Sites and Vessel Grant funding
Braintree District Council has received an initial payment of the Asylum Large Sites and Vessel Grant from the Home Office. We are reviewing the requirements and criteria attached to the grant which govern how we utilise the funding. The grant purpose clearly states that it must be used to address pressures on local services associated with the Asylum Accommodation, to support the outcomes of the large sites programme. We are currently discussing options with partners to understand how best to deliver the grant within the timeline set out by the Home Office. This is one-off funding and Home Office operations may continue on this site for up to four years or more. We cannot use the grant to close our budget gap, nor can we use it to cover the legal costs incurred in bringing our challenges against the Home Office over its proposed use of the Site.
Last updated: 10 November 2023
You can read the latest update from us on our news page.