Refugees
The power of quiet diplomacy
Outgoing chair of the District Councils’ Network, Cllr John Fuller, talks to Martin Ford about his legacy. He says districts showed their mettle during COVID and are best placed to deliver the levelling up agenda.
Afghan refugees must be given the tools to thrive, not just survive
More must be done if the thousands of Afghan refugees being enthusiastically welcomed to the UK are to be given the chance to build new lives, says Geeta Nanda OBE.
Afghanistan – stepping carefully through a difficult period
Chief executive of Staffordshire CC John Henderson, who led British and NATO forces in Afghanistan, says the resettlement programme will be an ‘enduring commitment’.
Councils handed deadline for Afghan resettlement offers
Ministers have asked every council in the UK to come forward with offers of support for the Afghan resettlement scheme within 10 days.
Coventry to take legal action over asylum
A council has been forced to take legal action over the Government’s use of hotels for asylum seekers despite previously pledging to offer refugees sanctuary.
Wait continues for resettlement scheme details
Key details of the new resettlement scheme for arriving Afghan refugees have still not been confirmed by the Government as ministers plead for council help.
Council in urgent plea for refugee support
Greenwich LBC has said promised government support for refugees arriving in the borough has failed to materialise.
Khan pledges Afghan resettlement help
The Mayor of London has pledged funding to help councils resettle Afghan refugees.
Deluge of donations for Afghan refugees
Councils have been inundated with donations from people eager to help refugees fleeing Afghanistan.
More help for Afghan refugees ‘urgently required’
The Government has asked councils to provide more support for Afghan people fleeing violence at home.
Councils ‘stand ready’ to support refugees
Local authorities have pledged to provide support to thousands of people fleeing Afghanistan
Government tells councils to ‘do their bit’ for child asylum seekers
The Home Office has called on local authorities to do more to support vulnerable children seeking asylum in the UK.
Asylum housing to be sourced outside of dispersal scheme
Asylum seekers could be housed in local authority areas that have not signed up to the dispersal scheme.
Councils ‘unfairly disadvantaged’ in asylum-seeking system
Two councils have pleaded with neighbouring authorities to step-up to take in more unaccompanied asylum-seeking children (UASC).
Supporting refugee families and creating more resilient communities
Cathryn Morgan of Ceredigion Council outlines how community sponsorship can help refugees create a new life and help councils meet their targets for resettlement. She offers other councils her tips for success.
Spending Review must meet costs of refugee resettlement
Local government has cautiously welcomed the Government’s commitment to continue resettling refugees after a flagship scheme ends next year.
Brokenshire announces new integration measures
Communities secretary James Brokenshire has announced new measures to promote integration as the UK moves closer to life outside of the EU.
Greater Manchester warns Government over asylum contracts
Greater Manchester has vowed to ‘hold the Government to account’ over the number of asylum seekers the region accommodates.
Government: Population 'most important cost driver'
Population will be ‘by far the most important cost driver’ for the new foundation formula, the Government has said.
London leaders call for 'proper' debate on funding
Central Government needs to have a ‘proper conversation’ on public sector funding and put councils on a sustainable footing for the future, London Councils chair, Cllr Peter John, has told The MJ.
