3,000 asylum seekers to be housed in non-hotel sites by autumn
It's part of Rishi Sunak’s bid to “stop the boats” crossing the Channel
The Home Office says it will be housing around 3,000 asylum seekers on non-hotel sites by the autumn.
The alternative sites include the Bibby Stockholm barge in Portland Port, Dorset, and former military sites Wethersfield in Essex and Scampton in Lincolnshire.
It's all part of the government's plan to reduce the use of hotels in housing asylum seekers, which the Home Office says costs taxpayers ÂŁ6 million a day.
The Bibby Stockholm barge will initially accommodate 50 people, but this number will steadily increase to about 500 by the autumn.
All three sites are said to provide “basic and functional accommodation” which is cheaper than using hotels.
The Bibby Stockholm will include resources such as meals, primary health care provision, a multi-faith room, a gym and outdoor exercise facilities. There will also be 24/7 security in place on board.
Immigration minister Robert Jenrick said: “This Government has been clear that those who arrive in the UK illegally should not be housed in expensive hotels.
“Our use of alternative accommodation sites and vessels provide basic and appropriate standards for small boats arrivals while their claims are determined.
“We are providing substantial financial support to the local council and are committed to working with key stakeholders to ensure the Portland vessel and Wethersfield site have as little impact as possible for communities.
“Ultimately, the best way to relieve pressures on communities is to stop the boats in the first place.”
Dorset Council is receiving ÂŁ3,500 per occupied bedspace on the Bibby Stockholm, with additional funding provided to the local NHS and police, the Home Office said.