UK to House Asylum Seekers in Army Barracks as hotel Costs Soar
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The British government will begin housing small boat migrants in two army barracks – one in Scotland and one in the south of England – next month, as pressure mounts to curtail the escalating costs of accommodating asylum seekers in hotels.The move, impacting an initial 900 individuals, has prioritized finding option accommodation for asylum seekers since assuming office six weeks ago, reportedly expressing “absolute fury” at the continued reliance on hotels. According to sources, the plan aims to eventually house up to 10,000 migrants on military sites, with the Ministry of Defense assisting in identifying additional disused locations. Prefabricated, modular units are also being considered for some sites.
The first locations slated for use are Cameron Barracks in Inverness and the Crowborough army training camp in East Sussex. Approximately 300 migrants will initially be housed at Cameron Barracks, a 140-year-old facility previously used to accommodate Afghans evacuated from kabul following the Taliban takeover. Work to transition the barracks for this new purpose began in May, relocating Afghan families elsewhere in Scotland. The Crowborough camp is expected to accommodate around 600 individuals.
Reversing Course on Asylum Accommodation
This decision marks a notable departure from labour’s prior opposition to utilizing former military sites for asylum housing. The Prime Minister has privately communicated to ministers a desire to end the practice of housing asylum seekers in hotels within a year, accelerating a previous pledge to achieve this by 2029.On Monday, Sir Keir starmer voiced his “frustration and anger” over the soaring costs of the asylum system, following a report from the home affairs committee that revealed “billions” had been “squandered” due to Home Office mismanagement.
Despite the damning findings of the inquiry, the Home Office has already initiated the tendering process for new asylum accommodation contracts, spanning from 2029 to 2036, with a potential extension to 2039. The current plan to utilize military sites represents the first phase of a broader effort to relocate 32,000 migrants currently residing in hotels.
Cost Concerns and local Opposition
The move is not without its challenges. Officials acknowledge that utilizing military sites may ultimately prove more expensive than hotels, and could present significant safety and legal risks. Previous attempts to repurpose sites like RAF Scampton, Linton-on-Ouse, and HMP Northeye were abandoned due to strong local opposition.The government is now revisiting the possibility of using Linton-on-Ouse and Catterick Garrison, though the status of those plans remains unclear.
A Home Office spokesperson stated, “We are furious at the level of illegal migrants and asylum hotels. This government will close every asylum hotel. Work is well under way, with more suitable sites being brought forward to ease pressure on communities and cut asylum costs.” Though, the plans are expected to face consultation hurdles and potential resistance from local communities.
A Deterrent or a False Solution?
The government hopes that military accommodation will be less appealing to migrants crossing the Channel, acting as a deterrent. Though, critics argue that this approach merely exchanges one flawed system for another. Enver Solomon, chief executive of the Refugee Council, warned that using military sites is “exchanging one failed approach with another.” He suggested a one-off scheme offering limited-period permission to stay, subject to security checks, for individuals from countries likely to be granted refugee status, as a more effective solution.
Furthermore, concerns have been raised regarding the infrastructure required to prepare military sites, including addressing issues like asbestos, contaminated land, and unexploded ordnance. past attempts to prepare military sites have faced significant cost overruns – with costs for previous projects exceeding budgets by a factor of twelve. While costs at sites like Wethersfield and Napier Barracks have seen some reduction – currently averaging £132 and £108.58 per person per night respectively,compared to £144.98 for hotels – the Home Office acknowledges the logistical complexities.
Despite these concerns, home Secretary Mahmood appears resolute. Sources close to her indicate she prioritizes “public confidence” over immediate cost savings and is prepared to defend the policy in court if necessary.The success of this new strategy, and its impact on the UK’s asylum system, remains to be seen.
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