Government considering three new ex-military sites to replace asylum hotels

Making a statement in the House of Commons, Minister of State for Border Security and Asylum, Alex Norris, said: “We are scaling up alternative accommodation by expanding the use of large, basic facilities, including former military sites, to replace unsuitable hotels.

“Three new ex-military sites are now under consideration: MoD Barnham, MoD Bicester and MoD Linton-on-Ouse. Together, these sites could eventually provide accommodation for around 3,750 asylum seekers, subject to feasibility assessments, planning and the necessary approvals.”

The Home Office said it will also seek to extend the use of Crowborough and expand both the capacity and duration of use at Wethersfield.

It added that following “detailed assessments”, it will not proceed with Cameron Barracks in Scotland as a potential site for asylum accommodation, and that it will be returned to the Ministry of Defence.

Meanwhile, the minister announced plans to close a further 20 asylum hotels across England, following the first tranche of 11 hotel closures announced in April.

He said: “Hotel use has now more than halved since its peak. Just under 170 asylum hotels remain in use, down from around 400 at the height of the previous Government’s reliance on hotels. The number of people accommodated in hotels has also been cut by more than half, from a peak of 56,000 in 2023 to around 21,000.”

The Local Government Association warned that the Home Office must engage with and obtain the consent of councils “well in advance” of any decisions to open, expand or close asylum accommodation.

Cllr Louise Gittins, Chair of the Local Government Association, said: “The LGA wants to work with Government on developing and funding a better system for accommodating and supporting asylum seekers.

“[…] Local government will play a crucial part in any changed system. The LGA remains committed to working in partnership to support engagement with councils and their communities well in advance and to minimise homelessness and local impacts.”

Commenting on the Government's plans to open a new temporary housing centre for asylum-seekers at MoD Bicester, Councillor Lesley McLean, Leader of Cherwell District Council, said: “This is another arbitrary decision from the Home Office, taken yet again, without any consultation with the council, residents or locally elected members. 

“It’s astounding to think that proposals of this scale are being brought forward by government without communication with the local authority and affected communities.

“I have serious concerns about whether sufficient considerations have taken place to ensure the right support, infrastructure and safeguards will be in place ahead of the proposed opening later this year. I will be writing to the minister to press for clarity, transparency and guarantees that the government will have the resources needed to mitigate the impact on our communities and local services if, and when their facility opens.

“The council will be asking the Home Office and other partner agencies including Oxfordshire County Council and Thames Valley Police to work with us to ensure that any provisions are suitable both for those staying there and those who live alongside”.

Lottie Winson