The government has flatly denied reports that it is preparing to expand a Kent holding centre for asylum seekers.

The Independent website had reported the site at Manston would be turned into a “residential” facility used to detain thousands of people before they are flown to Rwanda.

It comes as ministers look to bring down the cost of holding asylum seekers in hotels after they have crossed the Channel in small boats.

But the Home Office says it has no plans to increase the capacity of Manston.

In a statement, the Home Office said: “Work is ongoing to ensure we process small boats arrivals at Manston securely, with improved facilities, as efficiently as possible.

“We will share information with local partners and communities as things develop.

“We have no plans to change the use of the site from a detained facility or to increase the capacity of the site.”

MP Sir Roger Gale, who represents Thanet North, said that to expand the Manston facility would be a complete betrayal of trust by the Home Office.

An official report published this week criticised conditions at the centre, which is already being used for temporary short-term accommodation for processing asylum seekers.

The government has been stalled by legal challenges to its plans to process asylum applications at a base in Rwanda.

The High Court ruled in June that the policy was unlawful. That decision has now been challenged by the government.

Sir Roger is quoted in The Independent as saying he had been given assurances that there would be no escalation in the use of the Manston site.

“I have been given this absolute undertaking that Manston will not become anything like a permanent facility, and I have made it absolutely plain in terms to the Prime Minister, Home Secretary and immigration minister that were that to be attempted I would regard that as a complete breach of faith,” the Conservative said.

“Kent is already doing more than its fair share.”

The Home Office uses Manston to manage people who arrive on small boats, carrying out security and immigration checks until they are moved into accommodation across the UK.

The government has also announced that it is to take the first steps towards moving asylum seekers out of costly hotel accommodation.

About 50 hotels will be decommissioned as accommodation for those arriving on small boats.