Taxpayers have funded nearly £30,000 in driving lessons and tests for refugees granted asylum over the past three years.

Kent County Council alone spent more than £20,000 on lessons in the last 12 months, marking a fourfold increase from the £5,028 spent the previous year. In 2022/23, the cost was £3,567, bringing the total expenditure over three years to £28,740.

This comes as more than 150,000 migrants have arrived in Kent via the Channel, with 4,000 crossing so far this year.

Public Reaction and Calls to End Funding

Some residents have expressed frustration over the spending, with one local calling it “disgraceful” and urging the council to stop funding driving lessons for refugees. Speaking to The Sun, he said:

"Not only is our council tax rising by five per cent this year, but Kent is also at the forefront of illegal Channel crossings. How much more money will be wasted?"

Protestors have joined in the criticism, arguing that taxpayer money should not be used for these lessons.

Benjamin Elks from the TaxPayers' Alliance added:

"While hardworking Britons have to pay for their own driving lessons, refugees are getting theirs covered. Kent County Council, and any other local authority running similar schemes, should end this immediately."

Council's Response

Kent County Council clarified that only refugees who have been granted asylum are eligible for funding.

Additionally, the council provides driving lesson support for care leavers aged 18 to 24 and stated that unaccompanied asylum-seeking children are legally entitled to driving lessons.