In a significant overhaul of the UK's immigration accommodation system, Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood is set to announce plans to relocate thousands of asylum seekers from costly hotel stays into repurposed military barracks.
The move, expected to be formally unveiled next week, marks a decisive shift in strategy aimed at tackling the immense financial burden of housing migrants, which currently costs taxpayers an estimated £3.5 million per day.
A new chapter in accommodation policy
The new policy will see the government utilise existing Ministry of Defence (MoD) sites, including the former RAF base at Scampton in Lincolnshire and the ex-RAF base at Wethersfield in Essex. These facilities are currently being prepared to receive their first occupants under the new scheme.
This approach represents a clear departure from the reliance on private hotel contracts, which have drawn considerable criticism from both the public and political opponents for their exorbitant cost to the public purse.
Cutting costs and crossing numbers
Central to Mahmood's announcement is the dual objective of reducing the staggering daily expenditure on asylum accommodation while simultaneously creating what government sources describe as a "less attractive" proposition for those considering crossing the Channel in small boats.
The barracks-style accommodation is intended to provide basic, functional shelter without the perceived comforts of hotel living that some critics argue acts as a pull factor for migrants.
Operational challenges and opposition
The policy is not without its operational hurdles and critics. Local authorities in areas surrounding the proposed sites have expressed concerns about the impact on community resources and infrastructure.
Previous attempts to use military facilities for asylum accommodation have faced legal challenges over the suitability of conditions, particularly for vulnerable individuals and families. The government maintains that all sites will meet legal requirements for humane treatment.
As the UK continues to grapple with complex immigration challenges, Mahmood's barracks plan signals a more austere approach to asylum accommodation, setting the stage for renewed political debate on one of the nation's most pressing issues.
