Reform-led Lancashire county council could quit refugee resettlement scheme
Councillor announces plan to withdraw from government-funded programme on eve of local elections
TL;DR
- Lancashire county council, under Reform UK leadership, plans to exit the government's refugee resettlement scheme.
- The move aims to redirect funds to support vulnerable residents and veterans in Lancashire.
- This would make Lancashire the first local authority to leave the UK Resettlement Scheme (UKRS) and the Afghan Resettlement Programme (ARP).
- Reform UK claims the schemes strain council resources and the local housing market.
- Opposition councillors view the announcement as a political stunt before local elections.
- The Refugee Council highlights the importance of resettlement as a lifeline and emphasizes that supported refugees contribute significantly to the community.