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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
National
Rajeev Syal and Diane Taylor

Plans to move asylum seekers from hotels in tatters after NAO report

RAF Scampton, one of several alternate housing options for asylum seekers, would cost £45.1m more than keeping them in hotels
RAF Scampton, one of several alternate housing options for asylum seekers, would cost £45.1m more than keeping them in hotels. Photograph: Lindsey Parnaby/AFP/Getty Images

Rishi Sunak’s plan to save public money by moving asylum seekers out of hotels is in tatters after Whitehall’s spending watchdog disclosed that the government’s alternative sites will cost millions of pounds more.

The National Audit Office said attempts to place people seeking refuge in a barge, two former RAF bases and former student accommodation will cost £1.2bn – £46m more than keeping them in hotels.

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