The Leeds City Council's Scrutiny Board (Environment, Housing and Communities) met on 11 September 2025 to discuss migration, the board's work schedule, and a summary statement regarding Vision Zero. The board reviewed and commented on the draft Leeds Migration Strategy 2025-2030, and agreed to share a summary statement with the Scrutiny Board (Infrastructure, Investment and Inclusive Growth) regarding the Environment, Housing and Communities Scrutiny Board's position on the Vision Zero agenda.

Migration Update

The Scrutiny Board received an update on migration activity in Leeds from the Director of Communities, Housing & Environment, considering the Migration Update in Leeds Scrutiny 11.09.25 Report. Councillors were also asked to comment on the draft Leeds Migration Strategy 2025-2030.

The report provided an overview of migration-related developments in Leeds, highlighting key challenges faced by new and settled migrant communities. It outlined the collaborative efforts of Leeds City Council, statutory bodies, and third sector partners in addressing these issues, while identifying areas requiring continued support and scrutiny.

Key points from the report included:

• Commitment to Inclusion: Leeds aims to be a compassionate and inclusive city, reflected in its Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) principles and participation in networks like the Council of Europe's Intercultural Cities Network¹ and City of Sanctuary UK Local Authority Network.
• Impact of Immigration Policy Changes: Recent changes in UK immigration policy, including the 2025 Immigration White Paper, the eVisa rollout, the Illegal Migration Act 2023, and the accelerated asylum application process, have created new challenges and demands for local services.
• Challenges Faced by Migrant Communities: These challenges include a rise in individuals presenting with No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF), and difficulties in accessing digital support, legal advice, housing, and integration services.
• Strategic Responses: The Leeds Strategic Migration Board continues to review policy changes and coordinate strategic responses, working with partners to ensure services remain inclusive, culturally competent, and resilient.

The report also included a comprehensive overview of migration activity in Leeds, detailed in Migration Update in Leeds Scrutiny 11.09.25 Appendix 1.

The Scrutiny Board was asked to provide feedback on the city's response to national migration policy and global events at a local level, in particular the coordination of services and partnerships. The Board was also asked to note the responsibilities of the Director of Communities, Housing and Environment, and the Chief Officer for Safer, Stronger Communities, in leading this work.

Work Schedule

The Scrutiny Board considered its work schedule for the 2025/26 municipal year, referring to the draft schedule presented in EHC Work Schedule for 2025 26 and the Work Programme Cover Report. The work schedule is a document that can be adapted and changed to reflect any new and emerging issues throughout the year. The Scrutiny Board Procedure Rules state that all terms of reference for work undertaken by Scrutiny Boards will include 'to review how and to what effect consideration has been given to the impact of a service or policy on all equality areas, as set out in the Council's Equality and Diversity Scheme'.

The Board noted the minutes of the Executive Board meeting on 17 July 2025, included as Appendix 2 16072025 1300 Executive Board, for consideration and information.

Councillor Stewart Golton, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, advised colleagues that a further item related to the Scrutiny Board's remit regarding equalities may be forthcoming.

Vision Zero Summary Statement

The Scrutiny Board considered a draft summary statement regarding its position in support of Vision Zero, as detailed in the Cover Report Position Statement and EHC SB September 2025 Position Statement.

The draft statement summarised discussions from the 17 July 2025 meeting, where the Board explored issues relating to tackling anti-social behaviour and supporting community safety, including concerns about the anti-social use of e-bikes and e-scooters, and dangerous parking.

The Board agreed that Councillor Stewart Golton would attend the meeting of the Scrutiny Board (Infrastructure, Investment and Inclusive Growth) on 24 September 2025 to share the summary statement, promoting a joined-up approach to achieving the ambitions set out in the Leeds Vision Zero Strategy² and its action plan.