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

Chief Executive

Ebbsfleet Development Corporation
up to £165,000
Ebbsfleet is one of the UK’s most ambitious regeneration projects, a 21st-century Garden City Ebbsfleet, Kent
Recuriter: Ebbsfleet Development Corporation

Partnership Co-ordinator - Voluntary & Community

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£43,545 - £52,767
Partnership Co-ordinator - Voluntary & ... Wandsworth, London
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Planning Support Officer

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Up to £34359 per annum
Keep our planning service running smoothly, supporting the team that shapes the future of our borough.As a Planning Support Officer, you'll play a vit England, London, City of London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Change Communications Lead

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
£42,839-£48,226
Having come out of government intervention after two years in 2024 Sandwell, West Midlands
Recuriter: Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council

Finance Officer - Debt Collection

Essex County Council
£25081.00 - £27653.00 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
Finance Officer - Debt CollectionPermanent, Full Time£25,081 to £27,653 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner