Lords to question local authorities about refugee resettlement
On Wednesday 30th October the House of Lords EU Home Affairs Sub-Committee will hear evidence from local authorities on how refugee resettlement is managed in their area or region.
The witnesses giving evidence represent Regional Strategic Migration Partnerships (SMPs): local authority-led partnerships formed of grassroots organisations, multi-agency forums and specialist groups. SMPs seek to ensure that migration is managed in a manner that meets both local and national needs, and expectations regarding the dispersal, accommodation and support of asylum seekers.
At 10:40am the committee will question:
- Simon Shreeve, Norfolk County Council
- Anne Forbes BEM, Ashford Borough Council
- Kelly-Anne Phillips, South West Strategic Migration Partnership
At 11:40am the committee will question:
- David Brown, Migration Yorkshire
- Layla Davies, St Helens Council
- Cllr Joyce McCarty, Newcastle City Council
The Committee are likely to ask questions including:
- How have local communities in your area responded to the resettlement of refugees?
- What are the key factors that support successful integration for resettled refugees?
- What have been the main difficulties or barriers in delivering your refugee resettlement programmes?
- According to Citizens UK, 72 local authorities have not resettled any refugees through the VPRS. Why do you think some local authorities have not felt willing or able to resettle refugees, and how can they be encouraged and supported to participate?
The evidence session will be held in Committee Room 3 of the House of Lords.
