UK Government to House Asylum Seekers in Old Military Bases to Slash Costs
£6.2 Million a Day on Hotels Drives Cost-Cutting Plan
The UK government is set to move asylum seekers into disused military bases, aiming to cut soaring accommodation costs. Currently, over 51,000 asylum seekers are housed in 400 hotels nationwide, costing taxpayers an eye-watering £6.2 million every single day.
Ex-Military Sites to Shelter Thousands of New Arrivals
Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick revealed on Wednesday that sites like RAF Wethersfield in Essex, RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire, Northeye in Bexhill, East Sussex, and barracks in Catterick Garrison will soon house 1,500-2,000 migrants each. These bases will be used for new arrivals, not those already in hotels.
Jenrick told the Commons: “Today the Government is announcing the first tranche of sites we will set up to provide basic accommodation at scale. These will be scaled up over the coming months and will collectively provide accommodation to several thousands asylum seekers through repurposed barrack blocks and portacabins.”
He added that the new sites “will not end the use of hotels overnight” but will “relieve pressure on our communities and manage asylum seekers in a more appropriate and cost-effective way.”
Local Concerns Rise Over Impact and Conditions
The plan has sparked mixed reactions, with worries about the quality of living conditions and effects on nearby towns.
Bexhill MP Huw Merriman, whose constituency includes the Northeye site, expressed unease. “This decision will have an impact on local authorities and public services. It will also be of great concern to local residents,” he said.
He confirmed plans to meet Immigration Minister Jenrick and officials at the Home Office to discuss local worries, possible challenges, and safeguards. “I am keen to identify the challenges and issues this will create for the town and its residents,” Merriman stated. “I will work with the Home Office, and other organisations, to deliver the resources and safeguards needed to reassure residents.”
Local Councils Pledge Close Monitoring and Support
East Sussex County Council and Rother District Council issued a joint statement acknowledging community questions about the Northeye site’s future role housing asylum seekers in a former prison and military training centre.
They vowed to collaborate with local partners to assess impacts thoroughly and share findings with the government to ensure all concerns are addressed effectively.
