Reform-led Lancashire County Council could become the first UK council to withdraw from the Government’s refugee resettlement scheme.
This move would mean that the county council would no longer resettle refugees that have arrived under the UK Resettlement Scheme (UKRS) and the Afghan Resettlement Programme (ARP).
According to the Refugee Council, 537 people seeking refuge were resettled in the UK through the UKRS in 2025 and 1,271 arrived through the Afghan Resettlement Programme, which was closed on 1 July 2025.
Cabinet member for Rural Affairs, Environment and Communities, Joshua Roberts, argues the schemes take homes off the market and use up council resources.
‘This proposal is about fairness. Reform UK was elected last May to make sure that the people who live, work and contribute to Lancashire are put at the front of the queue and are not disadvantaged,’ he said.
Commenting on the proposal, Green councillor and deputy leader of Progressive Lancashire opposition group, Gina Dowding, said: 'This is Reform UK trying to pull a political stunt the week of local elections for publicity, but which will actually stop government funding coming into Lancashire to support refugees who are already here. It’s bad for everyone.'
A spokesman for the council said: 'We are aware of a statement issued by the Reform party regarding the Government's refugee resettlement scheme in Lancashire. Any changes to policy would require a decision by the cabinet.'
