Reform UK Claims Kent Council Spent Thousands on Migrant TV Licences, Day Trips

Reform UK, led by Zia Yusuf and under its Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiative, has accused Kent County Council of misusing taxpayers' money to fund activities and expenses for asylum seekers, including paying for TV licenses, trampolining, bowling, cinema trips, and other leisure activities. Yusuf highlighted that British citizens face strict enforcement of paying TV licenses, yet asylum seekers reportedly have theirs paid for by the council, sparking criticism and claims of unfairness. The party, which controls the council after a significant electoral victory, claims to have uncovered financial irregularities amounting to millions, including fraudulent claims and theft. While these allegations have been strongly condemned by Reform UK MPs like Lee Anderson, some critics question the accuracy of the claims, particularly the existence of an 'asylum budget.' In response, Reform UK plans to conduct thorough financial inspections across all councils it controls to clamp down on wasteful spending and prioritize taxpayers' interests. Additionally, concerns were raised about Kent County Council using public funds to rent office space in Brussels and the potential scaling back of taxpayer-funded services for migrants, such as English lessons.