Asylum centre in Yorkshire village could cost £270m

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 19 Oct, 16:57 · Archive

Campaign group Linton Action warns a proposed 1,200-bed asylum centre at RAF Linton-on-Ouse could cost taxpayers over £270 million.

Campaigners in Linton-on-Ouse have written to Chancellor John Healey warning that a proposed asylum centre at a former RAF base could cost taxpayers more than £270 million. The group Linton Action estimates the facility, designed to house up to 1,200 asylum seekers, would operate for around 23 months before being returned to the Ministry of Defence by July 2029, with a six-month decommissioning period also required.

According to Linton Action's calculations, this operational timeline would result in costs of between £443 and £853 per occupied bed per night, significantly higher than the standard hotel benchmark of £144.98. The group stressed these are their own estimates and not official Home Office figures, based on existing similar facilities. Professor Olga Matthias, spokesperson for Linton Action, told GB News the estimate reflects all set-up costs, decommissioning costs and a projected operational cost of about £240 per night at full occupancy.

The village of Linton-on-Ouse, home to around 700 residents, would be substantially affected by the facility. Linton Action has demanded an immediate financial review from the Treasury before public funds are committed to the scheme.

How it is being reported

• Outrage as Labour's asylum centre plot in pretty little village to 'cost taxpayers £270m'Campaigners have written to the Chancellor demanding an urgent financial inquiry into plans to house 1,200 migrants at a former RAF base.Daily Express · 19 Oct, 16:41
• Taxpayers could be hit with £270million bill for asylum centre in Yorkshire villageA proposed asylum centre in a small North Yorkshire village could cost taxpayers more than £270million, according to estimates from local campaigners. The village of Linton-on-Ouse, home to around 700 residents, is being eyed-up by the Government with plans to house up to 1,200 asylum seekers at its former RAF base. And campaign group Linton Action has warned the site could cost taxpayers as much as £270.9million despite potentially operating as an asylum centre for a reduced term of just two years. In an open letter to Chancellor John Healey, the group claims North Yorkshire's Deputy Mayor…GB News · 19 Oct, 00:01

In this story: Linton-on-Ouse · Linton Action · RAF Linton-on-Ouse · Ministry of Defence · John Healey · Olga Matthias · North Yorkshire

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