AN analysis of the costs involved in moving defence jobs away from York is expected to be ready in March, according to one of the city’s MPs who is opposing the plans.

The Government is proposing the transfer of Headquarters 15 Brigade, based at Imphal Barracks, to Catterick Garrison.

York Central MP High Bayley said it was “ludicrous” to make the decision before the financial implications were produced.

During a meeting between MPs and military representatives, Mr Bayley said Defence Minister Mark Francois had told him the information would be produced in March and he would also look at why 2011 proposals to move 15 Brigade from York to Catterick and potentially merge it with another brigade were abandoned.

The York MP said he understood £18 million will have to be spent on new accommodation and adapting existing buildings at Catterick to house the new Adaptable Force Brigade HQ, and Imphal Barracks is already large enough to be the brigade’s base.