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This is an HTML version of an attachment to the Freedom of Information request 'LGA UASC Planning Better Outcomes and Support for Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children 29 05 09'.

From:

Matthew Coats

Head of Immigration Group

5 June 2009

David Pike

Tory Batten

Rob Yeldham

Paul Darling

Tom Greig

Gareth Redmond

Dee Bourke

Phil Rawlinson

Nicola Smith

To: Immigration Group Regional Directors

Regional Strategic Migration Partnerships (RSMPs)

I was pleased to see the recent review of RSMPs by Tory Batten and I welcome the value of a these partnerships; bringing together our major partners and stakeholders at a regional level, to help us manage migration and its impacts.

Having discussed the review in some detail this Wednesday, I am therefore happy to fund the partnerships beyond March 2010, through the enabling grant, to allow them to continue supporting the UK Border Agency by co-ordinating and providing advice, support and services in relation to migration.

Funding arrangements

  1. The UK Border Agency will continue to provide RSMPs with further enabling funding for two years, from April 2010, adjusted in the light of:

  1. Paul Darling will work with regional directors to agree the specific grant for each UK Border Agency region. Overall, it is important to note that the financial envelope will be fixed at current levels. Moreover, funding may also need to reflect the projected spending pressures on the Agency in 2010/11 and 2011/12.

  2. Regional Directors should continue to encourage the partnerships to explore supplementary funding options from other partner organisations.

Governance

  1. Regional directors are best placed to work with their RSMPs to agree priorities. In line with UK Border Agency decentralisation, regional directors should continue to lead the relationship with the RSMP(s) within their region.

  2. Gareth Redmond will oversee the implementation of an improved governance mechanism through a revised enabling grant agreement, providing accountability and clarity. Specifically, the Central Stakeholder Team will take a lead role, to ensure that the enabling grant agreement forms the basis of that improved accountability in the future and allows greater opportunity for you to define regional requirements.

Timing

  1. This will be the first time that RSMPs have received early notice of our intention to continue to invest in them. In effect, the additional two years offers a period of nearly three years, from now, in which to deliver in support of the Agency.

  2. Therefore, I would be grateful if you would share the contents of the letter with your RSMP Chair, RSMP Partnership Manager and lead organisation at the earliest opportunity.

MATTHEW COATS

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