William Eichler 09 October 2025

Hillingdon Council warns of £2m bill from Chagos arrivals

Hillingdon Council warns of £2m bill from Chagos arrivals image
Hillingdon Council © Adning / Shutterstock.com.

Hillingdon Council has raised concerns over the financial impact of recent arrivals from the Chagos Islands.

Since July, 621 Chagossian individuals have flown into Heathrow, with 157 more expected this week.

While the Government covers support for the first 10 days, the council must provide assistance beyond that period. Hillingdon estimates the extra demand could cost around £2m by the end of the year.

Cllr Steve Tuckwell, cabinet member for Planning, Housing and Growth, said local residents were effectively footing the bill.

‘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,’ he said.

‘The Government must act now and fully fund the costs associated with its own policies and stop laying the responsibility at the door of Hillingdon residents.’

The London borough's plea follows similar warnings from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Crawley Borough Council.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

School Crossing Patrol Officer - Thundersley Primary School

Essex County Council
Up to £13.00 per hour
School Crossing Patrol Officer - Thundersley Primary SchoolPermanent, Term Time£13.00 per hourLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

School Crossing Officer - St Francis' Primary

Essex County Council
Up to £13.00 per hour
School Crossing Officer - St Francis' PrimaryPermanent, Term Time£13.00 per hourLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

School Crossing Patrol Officer - Lawford Mead Primary

Essex County Council
Up to £13.00 per hour
School Crossing Patrol Officer - Lawford Mead PrimaryPermanent, Part Time£13.00 per hourLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

School Crossing Patrol Officer - Riverside Primary School

Essex County Council
Up to £13.00 per hour
School Crossing Patrol Officer - Riverside Primary SchoolPermanent, Part Time£13.00 per hourLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Senior Lawyer (Litigation)

West Northamptonshire Council
£49587 - £52860
Would you like to join a local authority where you can progress your legal career and be supported to excel professionally? If so, join the Legal Team at West Northants Council, one of the newest and the fourth biggest Unitary Council in England. You wi Northampton
Recuriter: West Northamptonshire Council
Linkedin Banner