Protest in Gravesend against Edward Moore House being used for Unaccompanied Child Asylum-Seekers
Friday 26th July 2024. Civic Centre, Gravesend
Earlier today, a small group of residents gathered outside the Civic Centre in Gravesend. They were protesting against the proposed opening of a reception centre for unaccompanied asylum-seeking (UAS) children in the town.
Edward Moore House, a former care home in Trinity Road, has been purchased by Kent County Council (KCC). Along with six similar properties across the county, it is currently being redeveloped and due to open in September 2024.
The group spoke with Gravesham Council leader Cllr John Burden and Deputy Leader, Cllr Shane Mochrie-Cox. The councillors explained that KCC had bought the former care home against the wishes of Gravesham Borough Council and the opening was outside their control.
KCC Writes to Local Residents
In a letter to local residents, dated 5 April 2024, Kent County Council explained that the High Court had ruled that KCC “must take ‘every possible step’ to increase its capacity across the county to accommodate and look after all unaccompanied asylum-seeking (UAS) children that arrive”. The letter also said: “KCC used the Central Government funding, agreed specifically for the acquisition of property to accommodate UAS children…”.
In a statement, the leader of KCC, Cllr Roger Gough, said: “The number of UAS children coming into the limited capacity of KCC significantly increased immediately and will continue to do so now the warmer weather has begun and crossings escalate.”
He went on to say, “I can reassure residents all KCC UAS Children Reception Centres in the county are wholly funded by the government and do not represent any financial burden on Kent taxpayers.”
Update 2026: KCC continued with the refurbishment of Edward Moore House despite the wishes of some local residents. Now renamed Cypress House (Edward Moore), the reception centre for unaccompanied asylum-seeking children opened as planned.