Refugees granted asylum and now learning to drive have cost taxpayers nearly £30,000 in three years.
More than £20,000 was spent by Kent County Council alone on lessons and tests for refugees in the past 12 months.
The amount was four times higher than the previous year when £5,028 was spent and in 2022/23, £3,567 was spent taking the total over three years to ££28,740.
More than 150,000 migrants have arrived in Kent via the Channel, with 4,000 this year.
One local described the figures as ‘disgraceful’ while protestors have called for the council to stop the payments.
He told the Sun: ‘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?’
More than £20,000 was spent by Kent County Council alone on lessons and tests for refugees in the past 12 months
The amount was four times higher than the previous year when £5,028 was spent and in 2022/23, £3,567 was spent taking the total over three years to ££28,740
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.’
Kent County Council said only those granted asylum status are eligible for the driving lesson funding.
The council added that care leavers aged 18 to 24 are also supported if they need to learn to drive and unaccompanied asylum-seeking children are legally entitled to lessons.
