Suffolk asylum referendum could come 'too late' to stop RAF Barnham plans, warns Conservative leader
The county council has voted on a proposed countywide referendum on asylum accommodation
A proposed countywide referendum on asylum accommodation could come too late to influence plans for RAF Barnham, Suffolk's Conservative group leader has warned.
Leader of Suffolk Conservatives, Councillor Richard Rout, says the non-binding vote, which Reform UK wants to explore holding alongside local elections in May 2027, would not force the Government to change its plans.
Speaking to us he also questioned whether Suffolk County Council has the legal powers to hold the referendum and warned it could cost taxpayers as much as £2 million.
His comments follow a vote by county councillors backing a Reform UK motion to investigate the legal, financial and practical implications of holding a referendum on asylum accommodation across Suffolk.
No referendum has yet been formally approved.
Reform UK says the proposal is about giving residents a direct say on decisions affecting their communities, rather than focusing solely on the Government's plans to accommodate asylum seekers at RAF Barnham.
'It's too late'
Mr Rout said he supported the principle of consulting residents but questioned what a referendum would achieve if it took place in May 2027.
Asked whether the vote could prevent the RAF Barnham plans from going ahead, he said:
"No, because I think because of the timing, it's too late.
"The legalities aren't clear. The cost is too high and it's not legally binding."
He added: "It isn't binding on the government. All it does is cost money."
Mr Rout said the Conservatives supported the concerns raised by Barnham residents but believed the proposed referendum would do little to resolve them.
He also questioned the timing of the vote, suggesting that if Reform UK wanted to influence the RAF Barnham proposals, it should seek residents' views sooner.
The Conservative group has accused the Reform administration of using the issue for political purposes, a claim Reform UK rejects.
Could the referendum cost £2 million?
The potential cost of the referendum is another point of disagreement.
Mr Rout said information obtained by the Conservative group suggested a minimum cost of around £650,000, while estimates attributed to district council sources put the possible figure between £1 million and £2 million.
These figures remain estimates, with the cost of any referendum yet to be formally established.
Mr Rout also raised concerns about the council's finances, citing a reported £7.8 million budget overspend and a forecast that reserves could fall below the recommended minimum level.
He argued that the money could instead support existing council responsibilities, including special educational needs and disabilities provision, adult social care, school transport, road repairs and flood prevention.
"You know, there are potholes that go unfilled. There are flooding issues. There are really important issues like SEND and adult care," he said.
"All of those, rightly so, have a need for more funding."
Legal questions remain
The Conservative leader also questioned whether Suffolk County Council has the authority to organise a referendum on asylum accommodation, which is a matter for central government.
He suggested restrictions surrounding the use of the electoral register could make holding a countywide vote more complicated.
"We don't know if the county council can legally run a referendum on this subject," he said.
The Conservatives' interpretation of the legal position has not been established as a definitive ruling.
Reform UK's successful motion instructs council officers to investigate the legal, financial and practical options before councillors consider the matter further.
What would the Conservatives do instead?
Mr Rout said his group would favour closer cooperation with Barnham Parish Council, West Suffolk Council, the Home Office and Suffolk's Police and Crime Commissioner.
He argued that practical discussions about the suitability of RAF Barnham would be more productive than a countywide referendum.
"I think there's lots of practical work that could be done to show the government why this is the wrong location, rather than just sort of shouting into the wind and making a lot of political noise," he said.
Mr Rout said he supported the possibility of a smaller parish poll, allowing Barnham residents to express their views directly.
He also claimed Reform UK had not consulted Barnham Parish Council before bringing forward its countywide referendum proposal.
The Conservative leader opposes the use of RAF Barnham for asylum accommodation, raising concerns about the site's location, its proximity to a village and school, and access to local services.
However, when asked where asylum seekers should be accommodated instead, he declined to identify an alternative location.
"I'm not going to point out a community today and say to you, let's put them there, because that's not for me to say, and it's rather unfair on that community as well," he said.
He said finding an appropriate solution was a responsibility for the Home Office and national politicians.
Reform UK: 'Residents deserve a genuine voice'
Reform UK has defended its proposal, saying the council vote represents a commitment to exploring greater public involvement in decisions about asylum accommodation.
The motion, proposed by Suffolk County Council deputy leader Philip Faircloth-Mutton and seconded by cabinet member Tristan Gale, received the support of 60% of councillors, according to the Reform UK group.
Councillor Faircloth-Mutton said:
"Our motion was founded on a simple belief: major decisions that affect local communities should not be made without the people having a say."
He added: "Reform UK was elected on a promise to do politics differently. We believe residents deserve a genuine voice in shaping the future of their county."
Responding to suggestions the referendum was a political stunt, he said:
"The real political stunt is pretending that extending democracy is somehow controversial."
Councillor Gale said the party would continue fighting to ensure Suffolk residents had a meaningful say on issues affecting their communities.
Reform UK maintains the referendum proposal concerns asylum accommodation across the county, rather than RAF Barnham alone.
Council officers will now examine whether a referendum is legally and practically possible, how much it could cost and what options could be put before councillors.
Until that work is completed and further decisions are made, there is no confirmed date, question or final cost for a countywide referendum.
Suffolk County Council Response
In a statement, the Council said:
"Approval was only given yesterday (Thursday, the 8th of October 2026) once the motion had passed. It would be premature to give any cost estimates at this time.
"The real question is whether democracy is worth the cost. This administration was elected to do politics differently. Communities have been very clear to the administration that the housing of asylum seekers is an important issue, and we should be listening to them.
"The housing of asylum seekers in Suffolk could also create long-term demand for local services and cost far more than a referendum.
"Following the passing of the motion, the legal authority will now be explored. Once the conclusions have been reached, the council and the public will be updated accordingly.
"Holding the referendum alongside the district and borough elections would keep costs to a minimum, as it will be the marginal cost of one extra ballot paper.
"There have been many examples of non-binding referenda having practical outcomes. The 1975 European Communities membership referendum, the Welsh Assembly Referendum of 2006 and most recently the 2016 European Union membership referendum. The latter was the largest vote in British political history. We want the voice of Suffolk residents heard.
"This referendum is the best opportunity to put on record the true feelings of Suffolk residents on an issue that will affect our county for years to come. We are using every power we have to put Suffolk communities first.
"The administration has been in regular direct contact with residents of Barnham and councillors have been to Barnham on multiple occasions.
"The administration will keep residents informed and maintain direct contact as the plans are explored.
"The government could at any time develop other sites across Suffolk. This issue will have long-term impacts for every resident in Suffolk."