The UK government is set to offer therapists funded by taxpayers to asylum seekers who are reportedly in the country illegally.
The Home Office has taken control of Cameron Barracks in Inverness, Scotland, to accommodate about 300 male asylum seekers, moving away from the previous method of booking hotels nationwide.
Despite this, the Cameron Barracks plan has sparked controversy. A recent report highlighted that the illegal immigrants residing there will have access to their own therapists at the expense of taxpayers.
Local councilors in Highland were informed that providing therapists on-site means these individuals won’t have to rely on local NHS services for mental health support.
“Primary care, including mental health support, will be available on-site. The Home Office will fund these services to lessen the strain on local GP surgeries and NHS resources,” they noted.
However, some critics argue this could be seen as prioritizing illegal immigrants, especially given that local residents typically face long waits—around five months—to see an NHS therapist.
Thomas Kerr, a spokesperson for Reform UK, remarked, “Cameron Barracks is not a suitable location for such a facility. Local residents are understandably frustrated and want their concerns addressed.”
“It’s astonishing to think that taxpayers will be footing the bill for mental health support for those who have entered the country illegally.”
Cllr Edward Mountain, a Conservative MSP for the Highlands and Islands, noted, “Residents, already upset by this situation, will be taken aback to learn they are contributing to these services for asylum seekers.
“This is especially troubling considering many locals are struggling to access mental health care and other essential public services in their communities.”
Besides receiving taxpayer-funded therapy, illegal immigrants also have access to free housing, meals, dental care, health services, and an allowance.
While private therapy can range from £40 to £100, it remains uncertain whether the government will hire private therapists for these asylum seekers or use local NHS staff.
The cost of operating the UK asylum system has escalated dramatically—from £538 million in the 2011/12 financial year to £5.4 billion in 2023/24, according to Immigration Watch.
As of last September, there were about 36,273 asylum seekers; the number of individuals housed in hotels across the UK grew from 35,628 in the same period in 2024. Last year, 41,472 illegal immigrants crossed the English Channel from France, and this trend is likely to persist. The government has pledged to eliminate the hotel system for immigrants by 2029.
