Reform UK has been criticized for withdrawing all Lancashire libraries from a scheme to support refugees because it was not value for money – despite being free.
Nigel Farage’s party said 63 libraries in the region would no longer be part of the UK-wide Libraries of Sanctuary program because it was not an “appropriate use of taxpayers’ money”.
However, the charity running the programme, City of Sanctuary UK, said the scheme was “completely free”.
Libraries are often one of the first places refugees and asylum seekers go for support, as they offer free access to WiFi, computers, language learning resources and books in local languages.
The Sanctuary’s Libraries Scheme helps new arrivals with integration by providing tailored support such as Speakers of Other Languages (Esol) classes, children’s activities and helping them access other public services.
Lancashire County Council, which is led by Reform UK from May 2025, has previously said its Library of Sanctuary status is “aim”.[s] To foster a welcoming and inclusive culture”.
Reform councilor Matthew Salter, who made the decision, told the Lancashire Lead: “The Libraries of Sanctuary accreditation reaches its acceptance period in 2025 and I have taken the decision to end our partnership at that time.
“This scheme is voluntary, and I do not believe it represents an appropriate use of taxpayers’ money. Our libraries serve all Lancashire residents.”
The move, which appears to have taken fellow councilors by surprise, has been heavily criticized by other parties.
“Mean-spirited is an understatement,” said Liberal Democrat county councilor David Whipp. “This is a vicious attack on some of the most marginalized people and is no doubt driven by the xenophobic tendencies of the reform.
“I urge them to reconsider and try and find some heart in The Wizard of Oz.”
A City of Sanctuary UK spokesman said: “We are disappointed that Lancashire County Council has chosen not to renew its Library of Sanctuary award.
“Achieved in 2023, this accreditation recognizes Lancashire’s libraries as welcoming, inclusive places for everyone in the community. Joining the Sanctuary’s network of libraries is free and helps library staff do their jobs better – sharing knowledge, resources and best practice across the UK.”
The reform says £103 million of cuts are to be found in Lancashire. Last month, local leaders reversed their plan to sell five council-run care homes to save £4m a year after a public outcry.
Although subscribing to the libraries scheme is “no cost”, Salter said there is an “indicated cost” as a result of “selecting your offer around a specific service user, putting on events and dedicating time and resources to focus on refugees at the expense of wider service users”. He said: “At Lancashire we focus on the needs of our residents.”
Stephen Atkinson, Lancashire County Council’s reform leader, said in January the group was on track to “make £65m worth of savings and efficiencies”, but the Conservatives claimed some of these initiatives had been launched before losing power in May 2025.
Atkinson has defended plans to raise council tax by 3.8%, but has previously pledged to “cut waste and cut taxes”. He said comments may have been made by “some departmental people” about council tax freezes but “officially, from the party, that was never the position”.
