Agenda item

Recommendation:

That the Committee notes the progress of the UKRS and Afghan resettlement programme in North Yorkshire.

Considered – A report of the Assistant Director - Policy, Partnerships and Communities providing an update on refugee resettlement in North Yorkshire relating to the United Kingdom Resettlement Scheme (UKRS) and Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme.

Jonathan Spencer - NYC Refugee Resettlement Manager, presented the report and provided an overview of the background to, and an update on:

·          The various individual schemes that made up the UKRS i.e. those for refugees from Syria, Afghanistan, and the Ukraine;

·          The Vulnerable Children’s Resettlement Scheme (VCRS), for refugees regardless of their nationality but specifically children at risk and their families from the Middle East and North Africa region;

·          The three community sponsorship schemes in place across North Yorkshire, and the proposed new scheme in Scarborough and Thirsk.;

·          The UK-wide welcome programme to support the integration of new arrivals from Hong Kong

Members noted the following:

·          The Refugees’ Council was now providing support for 3 years

·          Volunteer support remained good across North Yorkshire

·          It was unlikely the UKRS would be completed next year – still awaiting a response from the Home Office on new cases;

·          Payment by Government to local Authorities for the resettlement support provided to individuals was well behind schedule – members queried the exact amount owed to the Authority.

·          It was estimated there was a further 4000+ afghanis eligible for the Scheme.

·          Another ten families were scheduled to come to Catterick Garrison, with the existing nine families moving on to permanent homes.

·          Many lessons had been learnt from the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme.

·          The placement of refugees across the old district areas was a planned approach to ensure access to and best use of the available resources, which is why some areas had taken more than others.

·          The bridging hotel in Scarborough was still open with 80-90 residents who would have to leave by 16 August 2023.  There was some concern that not all of those residents would be re-housed by that date.  The policy regarding evictions was the responsibility of the Home Office, and there was some concern that some could be declared homeless as of 16 August 2023. 

·          Only one family in the hotel had confirmed they wished to stay in Scarborough.  Many were unwilling to settle anywhere other than Manchester/London/Birmingham - work was ongoing to promote other areas.

·          Mental health issues were a concern the longer residents are in the hotel.  Those families with Mental Health issues were prioritised.

·          Some families were very large (12+) and had specific needs, which meant finding suitable housing often proved difficult.

·          Language remained the main barrier to employment – with English lessons available online.  Written skills were not good, and support was needed regarding interview techniques

·          The lack of education for women in Afghanistan was a factor

·          Employment was slow but steady with most of the men in the hotel were in work.

·          Business start-up grants of £2K were available – more business mentors were needed.

Members thanked the officer for his ongoing hard work, and it was

Resolved – That the annual update be noted