Forces are charging the Immigration Service thousands of pounds a night to use their cells.

The price can also vary by as much as £800 a night depending on the force, according to figures released by the Home Office.

Avon and Somerset, Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Cheshire, Cleveland, Cumbria and Essex were among the cheapest forces charging up to £199 for 24 hours.

Merseyside was the most expensive at over £1000.

In answer to a written question, Liam Byrne, Immigration minister said the Immigration Service began negotiations in October 2005, directly with a number of police forces, about the rates they charge for the use of police cells and discussions continue.

‘The negotiations are based on a standard charging methodology which takes account of local circumstances. The following table shows, in ranges, the rates payable as at the date of the request, and indicates where rates have been agreed as a result of the negotiations since October 2005,’ added Mr Byrne.

Charges:

Police force

Range: Up to £199 per 24 hours

Avon and Somerset
Negotiated Rate
Bedfordshire
Negotiated Rate
Cambridgeshire
Negotiated Rate
Cheshire
Negotiated Rate
Cleveland
Negotiated Rate
Cumbria
-
Essex
Negotiated Rate
Gloucestershire
Negotiated Rate
Hertfordshire
Negotiated Rate
Lancashire
Negotiated Rate
Leicestershire
Negotiated Rate
Norfolk
-
North Yorkshire
Negotiated Rate
Wiltshire
Negotiated Rate

Range : £200 to £299 per 24 hours

Dyfed Powys
-
Gwent
-
Nottinghamshire
-
Northumbria
-
Northern Ireland
-
Warwickshire
-

Range: £300 to £399 per 24 hours

Devon and Cornwall
-
Greater Manchester
-
Hampshire
Humberside
-
Lincolnshire
-
Northamptonshire
-
Staffordshire
-
West Midlands
-
West Mercia
-

Range £400 to £499 per 24 hours

Dorset
-
Kent
-
South Yorkshire
-
Thames Valley
-

Range: £500 to £1,000 per 24 hours

Grampian
-
Highland council
-
Metropolitan
-
North Wales
-
West Yorkshire
-
South Wales
-
Surrey
-
Sussex
-

Over £1,000

Merseyside

Wow,

Makes the Hilton rates look OK.