Notes of Decisions Taken and Actions Required
LGA Asylum and Refugee Task Group
10 January 2008, LGA London
Present: |
|
Chair: |
Cllr Roger Lawrence
|
Members:
|
Cllr John Holdich (East of England), Cllr Roger Hutchinson (South West), Cllr Andy Matchet (West Midlands), Cllr McNestry (North East), Cllr Aled Roberts (Wales),
|
Officers:
|
Nadeem Ahmad (North East), Grace.Ashaye (London) David Barnes (West Midlands), Ian Beattie (East of England) Barbara Donovan (ADaSS and ADCS Task Force on Asylum Seekers) Colin Elliott (North West East) Anne Hubbard (Wales) Heleen Jalvingh (LGA), Emma Jenkins (LGA), John Ransford (LGA), John Price (South West), Sarah Short (East Midlands), Liz Westmorland (Yorkshire & Humberside) |
Attendees: |
Tim Allen (LGAR), Brian Wilson (IDeA(, Loretta Hurley (consultant), Mike Canham, Jeremy Oppenheim, (Home Office) |
Apologies: |
Cllr Basil Curley (North West East), Cllr Merrick Cockrell (London), Cllr Tony Robinson (South East), Cllr Rowley (Yorkshire & Humberside), Cllr David Sprason (East Midlands)
Helen Johnston (London), Derek Mitchell (COSLA) Pauline Newman and Peter Hay (ADaSS and ADCS Task Force on Asylum Seekers), Vicky Williams (National Migration Support Team) |
Actions from the last meeting
A meeting with Liam Byrne to discuss the government's response to the Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children consultation had been cancelled once again. A further meeting is being arranged.
LGAR research on migration - Tim Allen
The attached report was presented to the Group.
It was agreed that further work is needed locally and nationally on how existing data could be improved to provide a more accurate picture of recent migration in order to look at current and future impacts, especially around housing and education. It was also agreed that the Task Group could be a key mechanism for highlighting good practice in terms of local authorities looking at and dealing with population change.
It was agreed that further information on the forthcoming LGA conference on migration on 30 January be circulated to the Group.
3. Item 3 - Good practice example from East of England Regional Assembly - Loretta Hurley and Ian Beattie
The attached report was presented to the Group.
It was noted that the pilot would complete in September and that LGA support could be offered in terms of ensuring the project is sustainable, subject to member approval.
4. IDeA work on migration - Brian Wilson
A brief outline of the Community and Local Government-funded IDeA programme was presented. This looks at how local government has managed the local impacts of migration, in particular recent arrivals from EU Accession states. Its aim is to share learning and good practice in order to foster self-improvement. It includes support for a range of projects in local authorities over a 6 month period and forthcoming guidance on welcome packs. More information can be found in the attached and at: http://www.idea.gov.uk/idk/core/page.do?pageId=5961509
5. Update on European issues - Heleen Jalvingh
It was agreed that officers from the LGA European and International Unit will feedback to the Task Group as and when appropriate.
6. Item 4 - Update from the Home Office:
It was confirmed that further information on the Iraqi resettlement project would be circulated by the BIA shortly, especially in relation to the reimbursement package being offered, with a fuller briefing to be provided at the next meeting.
The response to the UASC consultation has been delayed once again. A code of practice on keeping children safe from harm will be issued at the same time as the response with a 12 week consultation period and the delay was due to this having to be agreed across government. It was confirmed that a social care representative are now involved in the working group on age assessments alongside representatives from the medical professions. Members were also invited to visit the `Ashford pilot' which is a hostel-based approach that still explores options for returning but is an alternative to detaining families with children. It was also noted that the Home Office will take over the administration of leaving care grants from the Department for Children, Schools and Families in April.
It was noted that Members were welcome to highlight any concerns around the final stages of the Case Resolution project to Lin Homer.
7. AOB
It was agreed that the role of the Task Group in regional stakeholder arrangements should be explored at a future meeting, especially in relation to issues around governance.
The next meeting will be held on 10 April.
Sincere thanks were expressed by the Group to the officers from the National Migration Co-ordination Team for their invaluable support to the Task Group over the years.
2
LGA Asylum and Refugee Task Group Item 2
|
10 April, LGA |