ALMOST a dozen Afghan refugees were living in the former Copeland council area at the end of March, new figures show.

The Government launched two schemes to relocate Afghan citizens in 2021 and 2022, in response to the Taliban retaking control of the country.

These schemes have a particular focus on helping those who worked with the UK during the war in Afghanistan, and vulnerable groups – such as women, children and LGBTQ groups.

For the first time, the Home Office has released figures on where Afghan refugees are staying in the UK.

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This data shows 11 Afghan refugees were living in Copeland at the end of March.

In addition, the figures show 79 Ukrainians living in the area through the 'Homes for Ukraine' scheme, which facilitates UK citizens to sponsor and temporarily house refugees fleeing the conflict with Russia.

There were 75,492 asylum applications in the UK in the year to March 2023 – the highest total for any 12-month period since the year to March 2003.

Home Office data showed 21 people were receiving asylum support in Copeland at this point.