UK paying £56,000 for each person returned to France under ‘one in one out’ scheme

The government’s controversial "one in, one out" deportation scheme has come under scrutiny over its cost-effectiveness, with the home secretary revealing that each removal to France costs around £56,000—comparable to or even cheaper than housing someone in detention for a year. During questioning by the home affairs select committee, the official defended the expenditure, arguing it represents better value for taxpayers than alternative measures. Critics, however, are likely to challenge whether the scheme delivers long-term savings or effectively addresses migration pressures. The debate highlights ongoing tensions between enforcement policies and fiscal responsibility in immigration control.

Home secretary defends cost, saying it is about the same or cheaper than putting someone up in a hotel for a yearThe government’s “one in, one out” deal is costing about £56,000 for every person sent back to France, Shabana Mahmood has told MPs.The home secretary disclosed the figure as she was questioned by the home affairs select committee over whether the scheme was delivering value for taxpayers. Continue reading...