A Yorkshire council facing severe financial pressure has come under fire after disclosing it spends approximately £1.6 million annually providing free bus travel to asylum seekers across the region.
North Yorkshire Council, which recently declared effective bankruptcy and implemented significant service reductions, continues to fund unlimited bus journeys for around 7,100 asylum seekers dispersed throughout the county.
Financial Strain Meets Controversial Spending
The revelation comes as the council struggles with a £47 million budget shortfall, having already cut funding to public toilets, street lights, and other community services while approving a 4.99% council tax increase for residents.
Conservative councillor for Huntington, Paul Healey, expressed outrage at the situation, stating: "It's astonishing that while we're cutting essential services, we're simultaneously funding unlimited free travel for thousands of asylum seekers. This is an abuse of taxpayers' money and shows completely wrong priorities."
How the Scheme Operates
The programme provides asylum seekers with electronic travel cards offering unrestricted access to bus services across North Yorkshire. Unlike local residents who must pay increasing fares, asylum seekers can travel freely throughout the region without financial limitation.
Council documents reveal the scheme costs approximately £228 per asylum seeker annually, with the council claiming it represents "good value for money" compared to alternative transport arrangements.
Mounting Political Backlash
The disclosure has sparked fierce debate among councillors and residents alike. Critics argue the spending demonstrates misplaced priorities, particularly as the council pleads poverty when cutting services used by local taxpayers.
Paul Healey further questioned the fairness of the arrangement, noting: "Many hardworking residents struggle with transport costs, yet we're providing completely free travel to people who aren't even British citizens. This needs urgent review."
Broader Immigration Costs Revealed
The bus scheme forms part of a wider pattern of expenditure on asylum seekers within the region. Recent figures show North Yorkshire has spent over £450,000 housing asylum seekers in hotels, with additional costs for support services adding to the financial burden.
As the council continues to make difficult decisions about service cuts and tax increases, the ongoing expenditure on asylum seeker benefits remains a contentious point in local budget discussions.
