Reform-run council says free library scheme for refugees ‘is not value for money’

Reform UK's Lancashire council has withdrawn its 63 libraries from the Libraries of Sanctuary program, a UK-wide initiative supporting refugees. The council, led by Matthew Salter, claims the voluntary scheme is not an appropriate use of taxpayer money, despite the program being free to join. City of Sanctuary UK, the charity running the program, expressed disappointment, highlighting that the accreditation recognized Lancashire's libraries as welcoming spaces and helped staff share resources. The Libraries of Sanctuary program provides resources like free wifi, language learning materials, and tailored support for refugees integrating into the community. The decision has drawn criticism from other parties, who accuse Reform UK of xenophobia, while Reform says it needs to find £103m of cuts in Lancashire.

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