Council DEFENDS decision to offer £1,000 grants for Afghan refugees' driving lessons
Rupert Lowe says the interests of British taxpayers are being put behind those of illegal migrants
GB News
A council has defended a decision to offer £1,000 grants for Afghan refugees to receive driving lessons in Banbury.
Cherwell District Council emphasised that the refugees had contributed to society through their service with the UK Armed Forces.
The Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy offers support to those who worked alongside British forces in Afghanistan.
The scheme specifically targets individuals who provided important support to UK government defence and security missions.
The Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy offers support to those who worked alongside British forces in Afghanistan (Stock Image)
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Those eligible are people assessed to be at risk of serious human rights violations and persecution due to their work with British forces.
The council spokesman explained the funding aims to help refugees integrate quickly after arrival in the UK.
"The intention is to invest in support for refugees soon after their arrival in the UK, so they can integrate and live more independently," he said.
"This enables a saving to the taxpayer over the long-term by reducing the demand from refugees for support from other public services."
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However, residents have made their concerns clear.
Banbury local Shannon Waverly raised her worries after a Freedom of Information response revealed the spending, questioning why such benefits were being offered while local residents face council tax increases and service cuts.
The council documents showed £14,421 had been spent on tuition through the scheme.
Fifteen refugees participated in the programme between July 2022 and October 2024.
Banbury local Shannon Waverly raised concerns after a Freedom of Information response revealed the spending
Wikimedia
The initiative allows Afghan refugees to apply for grants for various types of lessons and hobby activities, with funding of up to £1,000 available per person.
"I would like to express my frustration. We are paying more taxes while receiving poorer services," said Waverly.
"It does not seem fair that people who have not contributed a penny to the system are getting a better deal than taxpayers. Providing driving lessons or £1,000 for hobbies does not seem essential when the country's finances are in such a dire state."
A Cherwell District Council spokesman explained the funding comes from a Home Office resilience fund, not council money.
"These activities are funded by the UK government using a resilience fund provided to the council," the spokesman said.
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