The Lancashire County Council, led by the Reform party, is set to withdraw from the government’s refugee resettlement initiative, as announced by Councillor Joshua Roberts, a member of the cabinet.
This decision would position Lancashire as the first local authority to exit the UK Resettlement Scheme (UKRS) and the Afghan Resettlement Programme (ARP).
The council is responsible for managing these programs for 14 unitary and district councils across Lancashire that oversee housing matters.
Roberts, who holds the portfolio for rural affairs, environment, and communities, indicated that funds typically allocated for refugee resettlement would be redirected to assist vulnerable residents and veterans within Lancashire.
Although these resettlement programs are financed by the central government, Reform UK has argued that they strain “council resources” and exert “substantial pressure on the local housing market.”
Roberts emphasized, “This initiative aims to promote fairness. Reform UK was elected last May to ensure that the residents who live and contribute to Lancashire are prioritized and not overlooked.”
He urged the Labour government to cease the placement of refugees in Lancashire and instead reallocate public funds towards better supporting local vulnerable populations and veterans, who he believes have been neglected by both Labour and Conservative administrations for too long.
In response, opposition councillors have characterized the Reform party’s proposal as merely a “political stunt.”
“These are initiatives from the central government that Lancashire County Council is compensated to manage. If the council opts out of this responsibility, the government will simply delegate the work to other councils willing to participate, and the schemes will continue,” stated Councillor Azhar Ali, leader of the Progressive Lancashire opposition group, in comments to the Lancashire Telegraph.
Councillor Aidy Riggott, leader of the Conservative group, expressed anticipation for the forthcoming cabinet paper and hoped that this was not another poorly conceived announcement from Reform, especially with local elections approaching in Lancashire.
Councillor Gina Dowding, leader of the Green party group, added, “This is Reform UK attempting to stage a political stunt for publicity during the local election week, which will ultimately hinder government funding intended to support refugees already residing in Lancashire.”
According to government data, 190,000 individuals were granted permission to enter or remain in the UK through safe and legal humanitarian routes in 2025, marking an increase from the previous year. This rise was primarily attributed to extensions granted to participants in existing Ukraine programs.
A spokesperson for the council remarked, “We acknowledge the statement released by the Reform party concerning the government’s refugee resettlement scheme in Lancashire. Any alterations to policy would necessitate a decision by the cabinet.”
