Decision details

The Director of Economic Development and Planning submitted a report seeking Committee’s approval for Ribble Valley Borough Council’s inclusion in the Lancashire Forced Migration Strategy and to commit to supporting the objectives and the approach contained therein.

It was noted that refugee integration is co-ordinated by Lancashire County Council on behalf of 12 district authorities and two unitary authorities.  All 15 Councils work in partnership to deliver 10 active migration schemes in total.

The Chief Executive advised that the Strategy had been raised at the Lancashire Leaders meeting prior to Christmas 2023.  Consultation with Housing Officers had not taken place at that time and so the relevant Local Authorities were going to take time to consider the strategy further. It was also noted that originally the strategy had provided for each district agreeing to accommodate three households but this had been changed to include a ‘minimum’ of three households.  Concerns were raised with this terminology.

The Housing Strategy Officer gave clarification as to the proposal and confirmed that LCC is seeking to lease properties and Ribble Valley Borough Council are being asked to inspect and approve the properties as being suitable.

RESOLVED THAT COMMITTEE:

1.     Confirm agreement for Ribble Valley to be part of the Lancashire wide approach to Forced Migration Strategy including the following, subject to a suitable agreement with LCC:

a.     5% of the Council’s 2022/23 Asylum Dispersal money to be provided as part of the County wide pooled fund.

b.     Accommodate three households in Ribble Valley. The level of demand will be kept under review and reported to Committee.

2.     Delegate authority to the Director of Economic Development and Planning to approve suitable properties to be used to house refugee and asylum seeker in Ribble Valley.