The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director (Growth and Housing) setting out the work underway and proposals to support the resettlement of refugees and asylum seekers in Southend-on-Sea.

Resolved:

1. That the progress on the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) and the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS) programmes, be noted.

2. That the renewed pledge for accommodating families under the United Kingdom Resettlement Scheme (UKRS), be endorsed.

3. That the progress on the Homes for Ukraine (H4U) scheme, be noted.

4. That the subsidising of housing costs from the wrap around / support funds received, to meet the pledge levels identified in resolution 2 above and effectively respond to other housing pressures, be approved.

5. That the Director of Housing, in conjunction with the Executive Director (Growth and Housing) and the Cabinet Member for Economic Recovery, Regeneration and Housing, be authorised to:

·       Reach agreement with the East of England Local Government Association Strategic Migration Partnership (SMP) and the Home Office regarding resettlement targets, asylum dispersal arrangements and local responses to national policy.

·       To review the internal structures and external services to deliver this, to be fit for legacy, current and future challenges, including service commissioning as required.

6. That the intentions to support partners across the City to pursue City of Sanctuary status, be noted.

Reasons for decision:

1. To make a significant pledge, as part of the Council’s commitment for accommodating families under the United Kingdom Resettlement Scheme.

2. The current requirements for resettlement properties to be sourced at LHA rates is impracticable and that without adoption or alternative local practice or revised national policy, the Council is unlikely to be successful in finding suitable property for refugees.  Deployment of a proportion of the support grant for some families will assist in securing houses for them.  This would be undertaken on a case-by-case basis and would take account of future affordability by the family to avoid placing them in unsuitable housing.

3. It is important to continuously monitor system capacity to be able to respond effectively to the fluctuating demands of such a programme of work.  This applies both to the service directly provided by the Council, as well as support, education and other services which are supplied by other organisations.  It is therefore important to establish dynamic service configurations and commissioning approaches to enable this.

4. The Council is a key contributor to the success on the work undertaken to support Afghan and Ukranians forcefully displaced by the political and military situations in their home states.  The benefits of becoming a City of Sanctuary includes access to a considerable network of other leading cities across the country and the many organisations active in those communities who provide inclusive and welcoming environments for refugees and asylum seekers.  This will be of significant benefit to the Council, as well as community groups and organisations.

Other options:

1. Not to pledge to support any further families to resettle in the city and continue to work only with those families currently here as part of the UKRS or in temporary arrangements such as bridging accommodation or the Homes for Ukraine scheme.

2. Not to seek to identify ways to increase the viability of private sector housing options for refugees through potential use of support grants for this purpose, or to supplement hosts to extend arrangements for Ukrainian guests under H4U.

3. Not to support the community and faith organisations to pursue City of Sanctuary accreditation.

Note: This is an Executive Function

Eligible for call-in to: Policy and Resources Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Member: Cllr Gilbert