Refugees
Government seeking solution to homeless refugees
Refugees minister Lord Harrington hopes to place homeless Ukrainian families with sponsors, a committee of MPs has heard.
The case for civility
Former leader of the LGA Labour group Nick Forbes talks to Heather Jameson about his experience of homophobic online abuse, his ‘political ambush’ local deselection and rediscovering the simple pleasures in life.
Refugee week: providing more than bricks and mortar
Hounslow’s model of resettling refugees works because its overall aim is to make them proud residents of the borough, says Lourdes Debarry.
UK to take in Ukrainian child refugees
The UK is to take in unaccompanied child refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine with hundreds already on their way to the UK.
Safeguarding fears raised over Homes for Ukraine scheme
Senior council officials want greater powers to safeguard Ukrainian refugees amid fears revised national guidance still leaves some people vulnerable.
Drawing from the past to help today’s refugees
Brad Collier draws from his experience resettling Vietnamese people in the 1980s to set out what support needs to be provided to Ukrainian refugees – and he believes councils must be empowered to manage resettlement.
Let’s deliver a long-term local resettlement system
Schemes to support refugees must exist around a core, standardised resettlement programme that has a multi-year commitment and specific targets and a variety of housing strategies, says Yvonne Kachikoti.
Refugees who refuse housing offers to become homeless
Afghan refugees who turn down two offers of accommodation could be referred to councils as homeless.
MPs voice ‘concerns’ over lack of funding for Ukrainian refugees
MPs have joined council leaders in calling on Government to provide councils with funding to support Ukrainian refugees arriving via the family visa scheme.
EXCLUSIVE: Refugee funding to depend on data returns
The Government will not provide funding to councils to support refugees arriving under the Homes for Ukraine scheme if they fail to supply timely data.
Councils need support to protect refugees from exploitation, say experts
The Government has been urged to take ‘urgent measures’ to support councils in their response to the Ukrainian refugee crisis in order to tackle exploitation.
Wedding blues (and gold)
Lord Harrington has had a busy few weeks.
Shared effort can create beautiful outcomes
In North Yorkshire, communities stand in solidarity with Ukrainians as a symbol of hope that even in darkness, light will prevail, says Paul Shevlin.
No child should be at the mercy of a postcode lottery
We need a national conversation about the way our mental health system fails too many children and a review of CAMHS is required, says the new president of the ADCS, Steve Crocker.
Targeting an end to rough sleeping
Even political rivals want minister Eddie Hughes to deliver on the target of ending rough sleeping in England within two years. But is the Government dragging its feet on expanding the ‘really important’ Housing First scheme? Dan Peters reports.
Councils seek clarity on homeless refugees
Councils are still awaiting clarity from the Government on support for Ukrainian refugees at risk of homelessness.
Rebuilding Ukraine
Emmet Regan looks at how Ukraine could be rebuilt, with the UK leading the way in post-war reconstruction and transformation, to offer a renewed sense of hope.
Clear up the logjam
We need more work on systems which aren’t up to scratch to bring Ukrainians to the UK, says Sir Bob Neill – but the improvements required will put further pressures on local authorities.
Extra money for refugee trauma recovery
Refugees minister Lord Harrington has suggested additional funding may be provided to councils to help Ukrainians’ recovery from physical and mental trauma.
Moving at pace and scale to help Ukrainian arrivals
The LGA's engagement with Government on the humanitarian crisis facing those fleeing the war in Ukraine will continue 'as we seek further clarity on roles, responsibilities and risks for councils,' says James Jamieson.