Lancashire County Council, led by Reform UK, has announced plans to withdraw from the government's refugee resettlement scheme, potentially becoming the first local authority to do so. Cabinet member Joshua Roberts said the move would redirect funds to support vulnerable residents and veterans in the county.
The council coordinates participation in the UK Resettlement Scheme and the Afghan Resettlement Programme on behalf of 14 unitary and district councils. Roberts argued that while central government funds the schemes, they put pressure on council resources and the local housing market.
Opposition councillors criticised the announcement as a political stunt. Labour's Azhar Ali said the schemes are central government programmes that the council is paid to administer, and the government would find other councils to take over. Conservative leader Aidy Riggott and Green leader Gina Dowding also expressed scepticism, noting the timing just before local elections.
According to government statistics, 190,000 people were granted leave through safe and legal humanitarian routes in 2025, largely due to Ukraine scheme extensions. The Refugee Council's Imran Hussain emphasised the importance of resettlement, stating that refugees can make significant contributions when given proper support.
