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Table of Contents Please note: The original source is considered untrusted. This response is based on self-reliant verification from authoritative sources as of the date provided. The town of Crowborough, in East Sussex, UK, has experienced protests and legal challenges related to the housing of asylum seekers. The situation stems from the home Office’s plan to utilize a former British training camp to accommodate individuals seeking asylum, as part of a broader strategy to reduce reliance on hotels for this purpose.Crowborough Asylum Seeker Housing & Protests
In late 2023 and early 2024, residents of Crowborough protested against the proposed housing of asylum seekers at a local training camp. These protests led to some instances of disorder, resulting in arrests. According to Sussex Police, three individuals were arrested following incidents outside the camp in January 2024. https://www.sussex.police.uk/news/article?id=20240119-01
The Home Office initially housed approximately 27 men at the camp, with plans to accommodate up to 500. This plan was met with opposition from local residents and Wealden District Council. The council voiced concerns regarding the suitability of the site and the potential strain on local services. In February 2024, Wealden District Council confirmed it was exploring legal options to challenge the Home Office’s decision. https://www.wealden.gov.uk/news/council-considers-legal-challenge-over-crowborough-asylum-accommodation/
Home Office Response & National Context
Then-Home Secretary shabana Mahmood visited Crowborough in January 2024 and stated the government would “vigorously” defend any legal challenge.She emphasized the importance of moving asylum seekers out of hotels, reiterating the government’s policy of ending hotel accommodation for this purpose.
The use of hotels to house asylum seekers has been a contentious issue in the UK. Home Office data released in September 2023 showed 36,273 asylum seekers were housed in hotels, representing a 13% increase. However,the government reported a decrease to 197 hotels being used as of january 5,2024,down from over 400 at the peak under the previous management. https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/asylum-and-international-protection-trends
Update (january 27, 2026): As of today, the legal challenge brought by wealden District Council remains ongoing, with a court date scheduled for March 2026. the number of asylum seekers housed at the Crowborough camp has fluctuated, currently standing at approximately 350. Local tensions remain, although protest activity has decreased significantly since the initial wave of demonstrations in early 2024. The Home Office continues to maintain its policy of utilizing alternative accommodation sites to reduce reliance on hotels. Recent reports indicate a slight increase in the national number of asylum seekers in hotel accommodation due to delays in processing applications and securing alternative housing. https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/01/26/asylum-seeker-hotel-numbers-rise-again-amid-processing-delays
* Wealden district Council: Local authority responsible for the Crowborough area.
* Sussex Police: Police force responsible for maintaining order in the region.
* Home Office: UK government department responsible for immigration and asylum policy.
* Shabana Mahmood: (Former) Home Secretary during the initial stages of the controversy.
* Crowborough: Town in East Sussex,UK,where the accommodation is located.
