DRIVING lessons for refugees granted asylum have cost taxpayers almost £30,000 in three years.
The figures were branded “disgraceful” by one local while campaigners called for the handouts to stop.
GettyDriving lessons for refugees granted asylum have cost taxpayers almost £30,000 in three years[/caption]
More than £20,000 was spent on lessons and tests for refugees in the past 12 months alone by Kent County Council.
That was four times higher than the previous year, when £5,028 helped them on the road.
In 2022-23, £3,567 was spent — taking the three-year total to £28,740.
Kent has seen more than 150,000 migrants arrive in the Channel, with 4,000 this year.
Residents face a five per cent council tax hike from next month, taking the average bill to £1,691 a year.
The figures were uncovered by a Freedom of Information request by local Liam Bennett, 42, from Folkestone.
He said: “I find it absolutely disgraceful that refugees are being taught to drive at our expense.
“Not only is our council tax rising by five per cent this year, Kent is the front line when it comes to illegal channel crossings.
“Just how much more will be frittered away?”
Benjamin Elks, of the TaxPayers’ Alliance, added: “While working Brits pay through the nose for their own lessons, refugees are having their bill covered.
“Kent County Council should put an immediate end to this scheme, as should any other town hall offering this.”
Many councils offer financial support to help new arrivals live independently, and Kent County Council insisted only those granted asylum status are eligible for the driving lesson funding.
It also said care leavers aged 18 to 24 are supported if they need to learn to drive — and unaccompanied asylum-seeking children are legally entitled to the same care.
Kent County Council insisted only those granted asylum status are eligible for the driving lesson fundingAlamy Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
