The UK Home Office faced severe criticism from the National Audit Office for purchasing the Northeye site in East Sussex for £15 million, a price significantly higher than the seller’s recent acquisition cost. The site, identified as having environmental contamination risks, was acquired under pressure to reduce hotel accommodations for asylum seekers. The report highlighted rushed decision-making and insufficient due diligence, questioning the site’s suitability as asylum housing. As a result, Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee plans further investigation into the controversial acquisition amid ongoing concerns about the handling of the asylum system.