Full Breakdown
Lancashire County Council to Exit UK Refugee Resettlement Schemes
5/6/2026, 11:46:50 PM
Decision to Exit Resettlement Schemes
On 6 May 2026, cabinet member for Rural Affairs, Environment and Communities Joshua Roberts announced Lancashire County Council will withdraw from the UK Resettlement Scheme (UKRS) and the Afghan Resettlement Programme (ARP), becoming the first local authority to exit the centrally funded schemes.
Context of the UK Resettlement Scheme and Afghan Programme
The Conservative government launched the UKRS in 2021 to fund refugee placements from several countries. The Afghan Resettlement Programme began in 2024, closed to new applicants on 1 July 2025, and will process existing cases until 2029. In 2025, 537 refugees arrived via the UKRS and 1,271 via the ARP.
Stakeholders and Positions
Reform UK presents the exit as a fairness measure for local residents and veterans. Opposition councillors Azhar Ali (Progressive Lancashire) and Green leader Gina Dowding call it a political stunt. Labour MP Lizzi Collinge called the plan indefensible. Refugee Council director Imran Hussain stressed the humanitarian value of resettlement. A council spokesperson said a cabinet decision is required.
Data Overview
The schemes allocate roughly £7 million annually to Lancashire for welcome packs, cash assistance, utility support and integration casework. Local authorities also coordinate the Homes for Ukraine scheme, which the council says would remain unaffected.
Official Statements & Responses
Reform UK’s spokesperson said the schemes place “significant pressure on housing, public services and officer resources,” creating an imbalance between newcomers and existing residents. The council’s spokesperson noted that a formal cabinet decision is pending. Home Office guidance (July 2025) reaffirmed the UKRS as a “key component of the UK’s humanitarian response” and confirmed funding for up to five years.
Criticism & Opposition
Opposition leaders warned the withdrawal would “stop government funding” for settled refugees and could undermine integration. MP Collinge called the decision “indefensible” and urged reconsideration. The Refugee Council warned that removing support would jeopardise the “lifeline” for vulnerable refugees.
Verbatim Quotes
- “‘This proposal is about fairness.” — Joshua Roberts, Cabinet Member, Lancashire County Council
- “These are central government schemes, which Lancashire county council is paid to administer. If they decide that they no longer want to be paid for that work, the government will find other [councils] that do – it won’t stop the schemes.” — Azhar Ali, Leader, Progressive Lancashire
- “ Imran Hussain, the director of external affairs at the Refugee Council, said: “Resettlement is a lifeline for many refugees, as we have seen with recent schemes for men, women and children from Ukraine, Afghanistan and Syria.” — Imran Hussain, Director of External Affairs, Refugee Council
- “Turning away from them now is indefensible.” — Lizzi Collinge, MP for Morecambe and Lunesdale
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on whether the withdrawal will affect the Homes for Ukraine scheme; the council says it will not, but no independent verification exists. The cabinet decision is slated for the summer.
What’s Next
The proposal will be debated by the council cabinet this summer, ahead of May 2026 local elections, and could set a precedent for other authorities.
