Cost of policing Crowborough migrant camp in East Sussex revealed

The estimated cost for policing the Crowborough migrant camp in East Sussex is £5.6 million for the next 12 months.

This figure was revealed by Katy Bourne, the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Sussex, in January 2026 following the arrival of the first asylum seekers at the former army training camp. 

Key Financial Details:

• Total Estimated Cost: £5.6 million to cover the initial year of the site's operation.
• Funding Source: The PCC has applied to the Home Office for a special grant to cover these costs, arguing that local taxpayers should not have to foot the bill for a national government project.
• Allocation of Funds: The budget is intended to cover additional Sussex Police resources, including:
  • Extra officers and specialized units for community engagement and public order.
  • New technology and surveillance equipment.
  • Conducting investigations and managing protests associated with the site.
• Additional Local Costs: Separately, Crowborough Town Council has reportedly voted to spend £16,000 on upgrading local CCTV cameras to address community safety concerns. 

The camp, which is intended to house up to 540 single male asylum seekers, has faced significant local opposition and large-scale protests, further increasing the demand for a visible police presence in the town.