Agenda item

Scrutiny of the county of sanctuary strategy, which promotes inclusion and welcome across the wider community.

Councillor Sandles introduced the report, highting that Monmouthshire is committed to welcoming refugees and becoming an accredited council of sanctuary, while also engaging with local sanctuary organizations and supporting inclusive communities. Sharran Lloyd delivered a presentation before taking Member’s questions. 

Key Questions from Members: 

• How do we prevent the County of Sanctuary award from becoming a gimmick, and what will the Council's role be after receiving the award? Will there be designated staff or budget, and how will performance be measured? Will other groups like charities, businesses, and sports clubs be involved? 
   

Officers responded that the aim is to embed the principles in Council practice and culture, with staff training and awareness. Performance monitoring is not fully developed yet but is under consideration. Other agencies, including schools and voluntary groups, can apply for sanctuary status, and the Council is working with schools and education colleagues on this.  

• Does the Council have anyone supporting women who need antenatal and postnatal services but are afraid to come forward due to their immigration status (no recourse to public funds)? 

Officers confirmed that the Council is developing a pathway for those with no recourse to public funds, ensuring a human response so no one is left destitute, and staff know how to support such cases.  

• What is the Council's actual role in becoming a county of sanctuary, and does it involve much new work given existing legislation and community efforts? 

In response, another Member suggested the Council's role is to ensure people seeking sanctuary are treated with dignity and respect, helping them integrate, rather than change government migration policy. This response was supported by officers. 

• A member emphasised the importance of promoting good relations between groups to ensure vibrant and cohesive communities, especially given the potential for political tension and negative media attention around refugee housing. They stressed the need for urgent community engagement in Portskewett to address concerns and achieve positive outcomes, considering local housing pressures and the broader context of seeking county of sanctuary status.  

Officers responded by acknowledging the concerns about housing suitability for refugees, stating that any property considered for nomination will be actively reviewed, taking into account factors like rurality, transport, and access to services, regardless of background. They assured that all relevant factors will be considered in the decision-making process for housing allocation.  

• Please could "conflict" be added to the list of reasons for improved outcomes for groups who have fled persecution, specifically referencing the importance of including conflict alongside sexual orientation and religious beliefs.  

• How many Ukrainian families are still in Monmouthshire? 

Officers answered that there are about 50 families living with hosts, and a total of 350 Ukrainians have come to Monmouthshire under the Homes for Ukraine scheme, with some having found work and housing locally. Monmouthshire has more Ukrainian arrivals than any other part of Wales relative to its size, and that the long-term future for these families depends on the situation in Ukraine, but for now, they are contributing to the local community.  

They emphasised the importance of engaging with local sanctuary organizations, raising awareness, integrating refugee awareness into staff training, amplifying lived experiences, promoting sanctuary work, supporting inclusive communities, and collaborating with national policy for County of Sanctuary accreditation. 

• Is the £600 per month payment for hosting Ukrainian families is still available and have any difficulties been experienced in paying full rent? The report claims no costs are involved, but I have concerns about council accommodation use and the financial basis for the County of Sanctuary.  

Officers responded that the thank you payment for hosting Ukrainian families is still available, paid via the council but funded by the UK government, with no direct cost to Monmouthshire County Council budgets. They clarified that the only direct cost for the County of Sanctuary accreditation is a small administrative fee to the City of Sanctuary group, and that most work is funded through community cohesion budgets, with dedicated support funded by Welsh Government. The partnership and funding for community cohesion and resettlement work are determined by Welsh Government, with joint arrangements in place with Newport City Council. Also, there is often direct funding from the Home Office for this agenda, coordinated through the same structure as the joint Newport and Monmouthshire working arrangement. When the council undertakes this work, UK and Wales governments make funding directly available, and if the council did not do the work, the funds would not flow into Monmouthshire. They offered to pull together key information about funding sources and cost implications and circulate it to committee members. (Action: Sharran Lloyd). 

Chairs summary 

Members have expressed some financial concerns and have highlighted the need to engage communities through events, which officers have committed to do, however there is also a role for representative councillors and possibly a members seminar would help to provide a fuller understanding of what it involves.