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V28-403 : ASYLUM SEEKERS

The report of the Corporate Director (Community Services) updated members on national and regional developments in the support arrangements for asylum seekers.

The Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 accorded the Home Secretary additional powers to direct individual local authorities to accept a quota of asylum seekers. The Local Government Association (LGA) sought an arrangement to achieve this through co-operation with local government and, subsequently, through joint arrangements between the LGA and Home Office, regional consortia were established to procure accommodation, arrange "wrap around services" and create opportunities for investments to be made in local communities. The East of England was the last of the country's consortia to be established.

The East of England Regional Assembly had set a target to bring on at least 1,000 units of accommodation as part of the contract with the Home Office. Councils across the region were now being requested to consider their positions on this matter and the Consortium had suggested that councils target a contribution, either from direct local authority stock or in conjunction with RSL's, of one property per 10,000 population. For Waveney this equated to 11 properties, to be phased in over a 9-12 month period, and for this to be agreed as a commitment for a five year period.

RESOLVED

That the report on developments in the support arrangements for asylum seekers be received, and that the approach of the Local Government Association and the East of England Regional Assembly be endorsed.


Volume 28 Minute 403

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