Decision

(A) Local
Authority of Sanctuary & Migration Pledge   It was moved by
Councillor Lynn, Seconded by Councillor
Rivron,   After being put to
the vote, the Motion was carried   RESOLVED that:   This
council notes that:   Calderdale is proud of our history of welcoming people seeking
safety in the borough and upholding the principles of dignity and
respect for all, by promoting a compassionate and welcoming
response to asylum seekers, refugees, and all migrants and
supporting the inclusion and welfare of people who are fleeing
violence and persecution.   ·       No migrant should be considered illegal. Currently
there are no safe and legal routes for people to enter the UK for
the purpose of seeking asylum. The circumstances a person can enter
the country as a refugee on humanitarian grounds are extremely
limited.   ·       The Nationality and Borders Act (2022) created a
two-tier immigration system in the UK. Those who arrived directly
and claimed asylum without passing through a safe country were
classed as group 1 and given refugee status and a 5-year route to
settlement. Those who arrived in the country having passed through
a safe country or via ‘irregular means’ such as a small
boat were classed as group 2 and given temporary refugee permission
to stay for 30 months and a 10-year route to settlement.   ·       Last month it was announced that the two-tier
immigration system would be ‘paused’ by the Government
with effect from July 2023, and all refugees would be given group 1
status. The stated reason was the proposed Illegal Migration Bill
will bring stronger measures, making the asylum and human rights
claims of people who arrive in the UK through ‘irregular
means’ inadmissible and imposing a duty on the Home Secretary
to remove them.   ·       Since 2021 the number of asylum applications in the
UK has increased sharply, and there is now a substantial backlog of
people awaiting decisions. According to Home Office statistics on
31st December 2022 there were around 132,000 asylum
applications awaiting an initial decision in the UK.   ·       People seeking safety in the UK face many challenges
in rebuilding their lives. Waiting times for decisions can run into
years, families can be separated, and refugees are at greater risk
of destitution and homelessness. Refugee and asylum seekers are
also more likely to be subject to criminal and sexual exploitation
as well as modern slavery.   ·       The UK does not have the capacity to detain large
numbers of people. Asylum seekers and refugees are often housed in
institutional settings such as hotels and accommodation centres
under national Home Office contracts. This leads to isolation and
difficulty in accessing vital services. The majority are
effectively barred from working and providing for themselves and
their families.   ·       The number of people seeking asylum in Calderdale
has increased since 2014, with a sharp uplift in the last 18
months. There is often a ‘lag’ in receiving figures
from the Home Office, however the latest available data in Q3 2022
shows over 700 people seeking asylum are living in Calderdale in
community accommodation and hotels.   ·       Calderdale has been a Valley of Sanctuary since
2021. Practical steps taken to welcome refugees include the first
Library of Sanctuary award for our library service, a School of
Sanctuary at Beech Hill, and the UK’s first Cinema of
Sanctuary at the Hebden Bridge Picture House.   This
Council believes that:   The
Nationality and Borders Act did not address complex issues
underpinning migration, and instead punished people seeking safety
based on the journeys they made. The proposed Illegal Migration
Bill is even less humane, to the extent the Government itself
cannot be confident it does not breach international
law.   Current Government laws have created a hostile environment for
refugees which is cruel, divisive, and inefficient and causes harm
to some of the most vulnerable people across the country and in our
borough.   ·       Calderdale is a multi-cultural and diverse community
which must be celebrated. We must recognise rights for people
fleeing war and persecution to seek safety.   This
Council resolves:   To
recognise the contribution of asylum seekers and refugees to
Calderdale; commit to welcoming and including them in our
activities; and seek to become a recognised ‘Local Authority
of Sanctuary’ for refugees and asylum seekers.   ·       To find greater opportunities across the Council and
borough to celebrate our migrant communities, tell their stories,
and promote their voices.   To
continue working with the voluntary sector and partners including
Calderdale Valley of Sanctuary, St Augustine’s, health, and
education, and to include those with lived experience of the asylum
system in our decision making.    To
defend the right to seek safety from war and persecution in the
UK   To
challenge the current government’s hostile approach towards
migrants and continue to identify ways to mitigate the effects of
these measures in Calderdale. To
ensure that all migrant residents of Calderdale are supported
through voluntary and statutory services to meet their needs, and
that our officers continue to present all options available to
migrants accessing council services. This includes ensuring
migrants can access information on their rights, and support for
looked after migrant children.   To
learn from the City of Sanctuary local authority network to
understand a best practice approach, so that migrant communities
continue to be treated with dignity and respect.   (B) The
Council’s Communications Policy Creates Information
Inequalities   It was moved by
Councillor Blagbrough, Seconded by Councillor
Robinson,   After being put to
the vote, the Motion was not carried.