At the meeting of Council held on 20th October 2016, Members received a notice of motion requesting the Council to write to the Secretary of State at the Home Office urging the government to urgently send officials to the Calais camp to process legitimate asylum claims that will allow unaccompanied children access to Britain and safety. The motion was proposed by Councillor Nevin and seconded by Councillor Ware-Lane (this had been referred to Cabinet in accordance with Standing Order 8.4).

Resolved:-

1.  That the actions of the Government in respect of the unaccompanied refugee Children be noted and that senior officers from this Council are working across the region with the Home Office and the Department for Education to offer a proportionate level of support.

2.  That it be noted that in recognition of the need to ensure this support is given when it is most needed, officers, in consultation with the Executive Councillor for Children and Learning/the Leader of the Council, will take action as is necessary for this Council to help the unaccompanied refugee children whilst ensuring it obtains the best financial support possible from the Government to mitigate the impact on the Council's finances.

3.  That a report be prepared for submission to the next meeting of the People Scrutiny Committee on progress.

Reason for Decision

To respond to the Notice of Motion

Note:-This is an Executive function

This item is eligible for call in to People Scrutiny Committee

Executive Councillor :- Courtenay