Norfolk warns RAF Barnham asylum centre could cost £30m

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 8 Oct, 07:08 · Archive

Norfolk County Council claims a proposed asylum processing centre at RAF Barnham in Suffolk could cost it up to £30m over ten years.

Norfolk County Council has formally objected to Home Office plans to use RAF Barnham, a former military base in Suffolk close to Thetford, as an asylum processing centre. The council claims the scheme could cost it between £9m and £30m over ten years.

Although RAF Barnham is in Suffolk, Norfolk County Council says it would bear the financial burden because asylum seekers housed there would travel to Thetford, just two miles away, to access local services. A report by council officers identified likely pressure on social care, libraries and adult learning. The council also warned of increased strain on emergency services, including fire crews, if there are protests or disorder at the site.

The Home Office is considering housing up to 1,250 men at RAF Barnham while their asylum applications are processed. The government has not yet submitted a formal planning application. A government spokesman said it was working on a fairer distribution of asylum accommodation across the country.

Council leader David Bick wrote to the Home Secretary stating: "Please do listen and take our concerns seriously. We are listening to what the local communities are telling us, and you should too." He argued there was no public service or community support for the proposal. The council said the location was wrong for such a facility.

The report acknowledged that council officers had to rely on assumptions rather than detailed Home Office evidence, as the department has provided limited information about the plans. The council warned that some asylum seekers who are granted leave to remain would likely settle in surrounding areas, including Thetford and other Norfolk towns, requiring additional long-term service provision.

How it is being reported

• Warning Norfolk could face £30m bill if RAF Barnham asylum camp plans go aheadA warning has been issued that Norfolk County Council could face added costs of between £9m to £30m over 10 years if asylum seekers are housed at RAF Barnham.Eastern Daily Press · 8 Oct, 07:06
• Warning Norfolk could face £30m bill if RAF Barnham asylum camp plans go aheadA warning has been issued that Norfolk County Council could face added costs of between £9m to £30m over 10 years if asylum seekers are housed at RAF Barnham.Norwich Evening News · 8 Oct, 07:06
• Council claims asylum centre could cost it £29mNorfolk County Council says using RAF Barnham, in Suffolk, would put a strain on its services too.BBC Norfolk · 8 Oct, 06:21

In this story: Norfolk County Council · RAF Barnham · Thetford · Suffolk · Home Office · David Bick · Reform UK

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