Plans to move asylum seekers into the former RAF Scampton base 'delayed' until October
It was previously thought they would move onto the site in August
Plans to move around 2,000 migrants into the former RAF Scampton base in Lincolnshire have reportedly been delayed until October.
The Home Office had indicated the first group of migrants would begin arriving at the former airbase in August.
Following a meeting with Government officials - Scampton Parish Council was told the start date would now be delayed until October.
The reasons given are delays in conducting surveys on the 14 buildings designated for migrant accommodation and difficulties in finding qualified personnel to oversee utility connections.
It comes after West Lindsey District Council recently won the right to a judicial review, which would determine whether the Government's plans for RAF Scampton are lawful.
The review is expected in the next few months, meaning it is likely to be concluded before the first migrants are due to arrive.
The Government says using Scampton is vital so they can reduce the cost of housing migrants in hotels.
The delay coincides with reports that despite safety concerns, the Home Office expects to send an initial group of 50 people to the UK's first floating barge for asylum seekers on Tuesday.
The facility, known as the Bibby Stockholm barge, is in Portland, Dorset, and will eventually host about 500 men at a time.
Some residents have raised concerns for their safety on an island with a population of about 13,000 and said that it does not have the infrastructure to provide for the newcomers and those already there.
The Home Secretary is also working on contingency plans to set up tents as temporary accommodation for asylum seekers to deal with an expected surge of Channel boat crossings.
According to a Whitehall source, the Home Secretary recently purchased marquees to accommodate the migrants, to have them in place by the end of August.
The Times, which first reported the tent purchases, cited Government sources saying a similar proposal was rejected last year because of warnings it would trigger legal challenges based on inhumane treatment of asylum seekers.