Decision Maker: Council

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: January 29, 2025

Purpose:

Content: The original motion submitted by the Hackney Independent Socialist Group was amended and subsequently resubmitted as a joint motion with the Labour Group   Following a debate of the amended motion, it was put to the vote and unanimously RESOLVED: That the motion as amended be CARRIED as set out below.   Introduction   The previous Conservative Government introduced its Hostile Environment policies to deter migrants from coming to the UK, making life difficult for migrants already in the UK, especially those without a confirmed immigration status. Since 2012 migrants have endured and continue to face discriminatory and exclusionary policies nationally. This policy prevents the Government from fully acknowledging the positive impact of migrant workers and communities. Migrants make economic and cultural contributions which benefit us all, including, in the London Borough of Hackney. Hackney - both as a Council and a place - has a long and proud history of welcoming everybody, regardless of their background, especially those fleeing conflict or harm in hope of a better life. In recent years, the Council and its residents have housed and helped hundreds of individuals and families, including those from Syria, Afghanistan and Ukraine, who have fled some of the most devastating conflicts of our generation. We join organisations like the Joint Council for Welfare of Immigrants in the call for justice for all migrants. It is time to end all hostile environment policies against all migrants.   The new Labour Government has started to address the serious problems for migrants, created by the previous Government. For instance, it has scrapped the policy of sending asylum seekers to Rwanda and closed the inhumane Bibby Stockholm ship, housing asylum seekers. It has also committed to speeding decisions on asylum applications and to establishing a Windrush Commissioner who among other matters will oversee delivery of long-delayed compensation.   This Council notes 1.  That the hostile environment policies introduced in 2012 were designed to make life unbearable for those fleeing violence, persecution, seeking sanctuary in the UK for themselves, their dependents and families. 2.  That hostile environment policies have deterred migrants with and without status from accessing basic public services such as healthcare and education, and stop people from being able to report abuse at work or exploitative landlords. 3.  The hostile environment has made intimidating immigration checks part of GP surgeries, hospitals, schools, places of work and private housing, giving unacceptable border control style duties to teachers, doctors, healthcare workers, employers and landlords. 4.  Those unable to prove their right to remain in the UK are most affected, including and not limited to communities such as the Windrush Generation, with some Hackney residents being deported, many experiencing unnecessary distress and some still due compensation. Hackney’s pride in the Windrush Generation and horror at the shameful scandal was the subject of a motion passed by Hackney Council in July 2018, condemning the Conservative Government’s ‘hostile environment’ policy. In the years following, the Mayor of Hackney and lead cabinet member wrote to the Home Secretary on three separate occasions to continue pressing the importance of this issue. 5.  That Home Office application visa fees are set at many times the processing cost of applications, do not reflect the economic challenges faced by millions across the country during this cost of living crisis, and in fact deter many migrants from taking a full and active role in this country’s democratic processes. 6.  The potential risks posed by the upcoming transition to eVisas and the need to support vulnerable people technology as part of this change. 7.  Hackney Council’s Refugee, Asylum Seeker and Migrant Service, has worked with over 800 people, delivered multiple briefing sessions with residents on the transition, and is working with colleagues in the Library service to offer support on eVisas during Welcome Hub events. The London Strategic Migration Partnership (LSMP) and Migration Team, Communities and Social Policy (CSP) Unit at the GLA have also shared information sessions for those working with voluntary and community sector organisations. 8.  The Mayor has a Cabinet Member who champions refugees, asylum seekers and migrants and is the point of contact for residents and organisations regarding support, campaigns and solidarity that advocates for all migrants within the London Borough of Hackney and beyond. 9.  That the High Court, in 2023, found that the No Recourse to Public Funds NRPF policy breached the “law of humanity” and Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights, this is the third time that NRPF has been deemed unlawful. Hackney Council passed a motion in July 2023 on becoming a Borough of Sanctuary, which stated its serious concerns about the Home Office NRPF policy. Despite limitations presented by the policy, Hackney Council continues to try to find ways to support people with NRPF. For example, the Council has extended eligibility for free school meals to include some children of those who have no recourse to public funds. 10.  That Hackney Council has signed up to the Co-operative Party’s Charter against modern slavery to proactively ensure modern slavery does not exist in its supply chain. Hackney believes that everyone should ‘be able to live a safe and happy life free from slavery and exploitation in all its forms’.   This Council believes:   11.  That no person chooses to become undocumented and live a life of hardship, intimidation and exclusion for themselves, their families and dependants; there are many routes, reasons and circumstances people find themselves without leave to remain or confirmed immigration status. Many born and raised in the UK are unaware of their status, some lose status by fleeing domestic violence, abuse, modern slavery, trafficking to name a few; many cannot afford the expensive Home Office visas and processing fees. 12.  That all people deserve to live a life free from violence, fears of deportation and exclusion. Instead they should achieve full integration, a warm welcome and a sense of belonging. 13.  That the new Labour Government has the power to finally scrap and abolish all of the hostile environment policies that are affecting migrant residents, their children, families, carers, dependants and entire communities in Hackney and further afield. 14.  To ensure that Hackney continues to position itself as a beacon of hope, equity and fair play to migrant communities, operating as a model of inclusivity and understanding for those who come to make the UK their home. To that end, the Mayor and Cabinet Lead will lobby the Secretary of State for the Home Office to request:   a.  An end to the hostile environment policy, including: ·  Developing a standardised online training for all GPs registration teams to improve understanding of registration policies and ensure no one is turned away from accessing health care.   b.  To undertake an immediate full review of all Home Office visas and residence processes fees which are found to be disproportionate to actual processing costs and are a primary economic barrier for thousands of residents in Hackney and millions across the UK. c.  Restore order to the asylum system so it operates swiftly, firmly and fairly. d.  To expand the funding awarded to local authorities for their work supporting migrants directly, as well as local migrant support organisations who deliver key services and immigration legal advice for migrant communities. e.  To call on the Government to set out their plans for the legal aid system at the earliest opportunity to ensure people across the UK can access justice whatever their income, particularly those who are victims of trafficking and modern slavery.   15.  To work to ensure that the migrant support offers to individuals, communities and third party organisations, continues to meet the needs of the community.