The funding, part of an expected Home Office asylum grant of up to £450,000, will be directed towards services, facilities, and community initiatives within Crowborough. An additional £190,000 is designated to support individuals seeking asylum housed at the camp.
This grant, from the national Asylum Dispersal Grant scheme, aims to assist local authorities with costs arising from asylum accommodation. Wealden District Council received this funding after the government designated Crowborough Army Camp for this purpose. The Home Office mandates that the funds must either alleviate pressure on local public services or support the well-being of asylum seekers.
To broaden support, Wealden District Council has established a Crowborough Community Investment Fund. This year's allocation includes £110,000 for the fund, enabling local organisations to apply for grants for projects addressing the local impact of the army camp's use. Within this, £10,000 will support cadet associations, and another £10,000 will fund improvements to Crowborough's High Street, including efforts to revitalise empty shops.
An additional £60,000, reallocated from the 2025/26 ward budget scheme, brings the total available for the Community Investment Fund to £170,000.
Furthermore, £50,000 will be provided to Crowborough Town Council to recruit extra staff. This will help the town council manage increased demand, maintain services, and continue delivering inclusive community events.
Improvements to facilities at Crowborough Army Camp will receive £100,000. These enhancements aim to benefit those accommodated at the camp in the short term and provide a lasting advantage for RAF and Army Cadets.
The overall proposals are designed to bolster community resilience, strengthen local services, and foster social connection and cultural opportunities in Crowborough.
The remaining £190,000 will offer essential support to asylum seekers at Crowborough Army Camp. This includes £100,000 for Migrant Help, providing practical assistance with asylum claims and necessities like clothing. An additional £90,000 will allow SAMAS to expand activities such as English lessons, music, art, and sports, aiding engagement and fostering a sense of belonging.
“"Almost a year after Crowborough Army Camp began being used by the Home Office as asylum accommodation, funding has been provided to support the local response. We have carefully considered how best to allocate it, so it delivers practical support where it is most needed and makes a real difference to people in Crowborough. By working with local organisations, we can support valued services at the camp while investing in our cadets and the High Street, and help turn community ideas into projects that benefit local people."
More details regarding the Crowborough Community Investment Fund will be released subsequently. The council is earmarking up to £450,000 for the 2026/2027 financial year, intended to cover additional costs associated with supporting asylum seekers in Home Office accommodation. The grant allows for flexible spending, provided it aligns with the grant conditions.
