The Home Office have refused to answer a freedom of information request on Napier Barracks.
On 5th January a freedom of information request was sent to the Home Office. The request was for information on how much has been spent on ‘mobile phones for service users, staffing and maintenance of the site’ from when the site opened in September, to the 4th January 2021.
The Home Office response was “I can confirm that this information is held by the Home Office, however details and costing of individual items is considered commercially sensitive so will not be disclosed, pursuant to the exemption under section 43(2) of the Freedom of Information Act 2000.”
Section 43(2) allows the Home Office to exempt information that would be likely to ‘prejudice’ any person or company that enters into contract with the Home Office.
This information shouldn’t be ‘commercially sensitive’ considering it is being funded by the taxpayer.
Napier Barracks is an open site being used to accommodate over 400 illegal immigrants. The residents are provided mobile phones so that the Home Office can remain in contact with them. The site also has 24-hour security.
