Decision - International Migrants in Brighton and Hove a part of the joint needs strategic assessment programme

60.1    The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director, Neighbourhoods, Communities and Housing which provided a comprehensive analysis of the needs and assets of the city’s migrant populations which would be used to inform commissioning service planning and delivery across the city to improve outcomes and reduce inequalities.

60.2    It was explained that “International Migrants in Brighton & Hove” provided a comprehensive analysis of the needs of the city’s migrant populations and that it would be used to inform commissioning, service planning and delivery across the city to improve outcomes and reduce inequalities.

60.3    The Public Health Consultant, Alistair Hill, explained that the definition of migrant which had been used was that used by the United Nations, Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) that it applied “to any person who lives temporarily or permanently in a country where he or she was not born.” Generally those whose intention was to stay in the UK for at least twelve months had been included, whilst short term visitors, short term students or tourists had been excluded. The definition included those who had migrated voluntarily (for work or study, for example), and those who had been forced to migrate such a refugees, asylum seekers and those who were trafficked to the UK. The children of migrants had also been included within the scope of the report even if they had been born in the UK.

60.4    Anusree Biswas Sassidharan referred to presentation which had been given earlier in the meeting relating to the work of the International Women’s Network; stating that it was very important to link this work into that being undertaken by this organisation and others in order to utilise the skills and assets that already existed to greatest effect. By doing so this would also help to foster and improve community cohesion. It was confirmed that funding for “Building a Stronger Britain” had been secured from the Home Office and that more details about how and where that was to be spent across the city would be provided going forward through the year. In response Anusree stated that she welcomed the proposal to carry out a mapping exercise in order to link into and work in partnership with the third sector. Whilst recognising all of the good work that was taking place it was important to ensure that good practice was adopted as well as a joined up approach to funding and learning.

60.5    Councillor Bewick welcomed the report stating that the work undertaken served to illustrate how wonderfully diverse the city was. It was important to celebrate that and to champion their integration.

60.6    Councillor Penn concurred stating that it was also important to ensure that there was a streamlined approach to ensuring that the appropriate levels of support were available for children who on arrival in the city did not have English as their first language. It was important to know that not robust measures were in place and that potential barriers to that process were recognised as well. Often women could be more socially isolated, it was very important therefore to ensure that there was effective outreach into those communities.

60.7    Councillor West also welcomed the report, stating that the Committee had considered a number of inter-related considered that afternoon had been packed with information which was really informative and he hoped the strategies proposed would become engrained. He considered that social media had in important role to play as did civic roles, for instance that of the mayoralty. He referred to his own year as Mayor and how he had been able to link into various organisations and to raise awareness of an issue (for instance the needs of those with sensory impairments), considering that how that role could be utilised was worthy of greater exploration.

60.8    Chief Superintendent Bell welcomed the report stating that the Police had an interest in this area of work as they were aware that crimes against the migrant community remained under-reported an issue which the Police wanted to address.

60.9    The Chair, Councillor Daniel, thanked officers for their informative report and for the valuable contributions and suggestions made by the Committee.

60.10- RESOLVED – (1) That the Committee endorses the findings of the research and its recommendations;

(2) That the Committee considers the implications of the research when undertaking future work; and

(3) That Officers report back to the Committee on an annual basis regarding progress on implementing the recommendations.

Note: Councillors Miller and Peltzer Dunn were not present during consideration of the report referred to above.