Decision - Brighton & Hove's Response to Refugees and Asylum Seekers

The report updates the committee about the council's work to support and resettle refugees and council priorities in this area of business over the coming year

RESOLVED: That the Tourism, Equalities, Communities & Culture Committee: 1. Noted the council's work related to refugees and asylum seekers. 2. Noted the Homes for Ukraine funding received by the council to date and its expenditure as detailed in paragraph 3.17 and the detailed breakdown at Appendix One. 3. Notes the priorities for the council's support of refugees and asylum seekers (paragraph 3.60) for the coming year. 4. Recommends that the Policy & Resources Committee notes the Homes for Ukraine funding received and expenditure defrayed to date to fulfil the obligations placed on local authorities by the government's Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme. 5. Recommends that the Policy & Resources Committee notes the priorities for the council's support of refugees and asylum seekers for the coming year as set out in the report. 6. Recommends that the Policy & Resources Committee gives delegated authority to the Executive Director Housing, Neighbourhoods & Communities, in consultation with the Chief Finance Officer, to defray unallocated current and future resources in accordance with the Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme requirements and conditions and to fulfil the council's obligations under the scheme.

The committee considered Brighton & Hove City Council joining the Inclusive Cities project, which supports cities to improve the inclusion of newcomers, migrants and refugees. Participation would run from June 2019 to June 2022, require staff and partnership commitments, and involve no financial commitment from the council.