Agenda item - Supporting Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children

Proposed by Councillor Clare on behalf of the Green Group.

33.1         The Notice of Motion has listed in the agenda was proposed by Councillor Clare on behalf of the Green Group and formally seconded by Councillor Ebel.

33.2         Councillor Evans spoke in support of the motion.

33.3         The Deputy Mayor then put the following motion to the vote:

This council notes

·           The recent announcement of Kent County Council that they are no longer able to support any more unaccompanied asylum-seeking children (UASC)

·           Confirmation that Government will not be pursuing a mandatory rota for the National Transfer Scheme (NTS) but will offer a small funding uplift

·           The Dublin III reunification programme has ended following Brexit

·           The council’s previous commitment to take at least 10 UASCs a year through the NTS

This council further:

·           Notes that last year the council took more than its commitment through the NTS

·           Notes that gaps in funding from Government to support UASCs means a cost to the general fund

·           Gives thanks to the council’s UASC social work pod, foster carers with placements of UASCs and all others who provide support to children and young people who arrive in the city

This council therefore requests:

·           The chief executive write to the Home Secretary to express the council’s:

§   dismay at the Government’s refusal to introduce a mandatory rota for the NTS

§   concern that there is no replacement for Dublin III

§   disappointment that the Government funding uplift will not provide sufficient support to ensure that more councils take UASCs through the NTS;

§   concern that in the meantime, UASCs are waiting at the border for placements that councils aren’t providing.

33.4         The deputy Mayor confirmed that the motion had been carried by 10 votes to 0 with 4 abstentions.