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

The Libraries of Sanctuary scheme helps people with integration by offering language classes, children’s activities and accessing public services. Photograph: Murdo MacLeod/The Guardian

Reform UK has been criticised for withdrawing all Lancashire libraries from a scheme supporting refugees because it was not value for money – despite being free.

Nigel Farage’s party said the region’s 63 libraries would no longer be part of the UK-wide Libraries of Sanctuary programme because it was not “an appropriate use of taxpayers’ money”.