Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what consultation her Department has undertaken with the local community on plans to open a new immigration detention centre for women in County Durham.

The Home Office has acquired the former Hassockfield Secure Training Centre in County Durham and will open it as an immigration removal centre for women by the autumn.

Discussions with Durham County Council have taken place and will continue throughout the development of plans for the site. Engagements with local councillors, other local stakeholders and interested non-governmental organisations will take place over the coming weeks.