Backing for city council to take on refugee support role

A city council has backed a move to take over support services for refugees after Lancashire County Council announced it would "step back" from the co-ordinating role.

During a public meeting at Preston City Council, four of the five parties represented at the Labour-led town hall supported a motion to approach the government about co-ordinating resettlement programmes currently assisting 745 people in the county.

The majority of the support schemes relate to Afghans who assisted British military operations in their home country, who have since been granted the right to live in the UK.

Last month, the Reform UK-led county council said it would withdraw from that role by the end of March 2027.

It is expected the Home Office will turn to the 14 district and unitary councils in Lancashire, including Preston, to ask them to take on the responsibility for delivering the government-funded support packages in their areas.

The county council said the shift made sense, because those authorities had responsibility for housing, which was a key part of the schemes.

Preston City Council deputy leader Valerie Wise, who put forward the motion, said: "We recognise that people who arrive as refugees – with support – become good neighbours, workers, volunteers, business owners, taxpayers and contributors to Preston's economy and civic life."

In response to Lancashire County Council's decision, Wise described it as the "nasty politics of Reform".

"Helping people learn English, access employment, understand local services and build relationships with their communities is not simply an act of welcome, it's a practical investment in successful integration," she added.

Although the majority of those at the meeting shared similar sentiments, Reform city councillor Jemma Rushe said the room had the feeling of an "echo chamber" and called for the issue to be put to a public consultation before the city council made any agreement with the Home Office.

In a statement issued after the meeting, Labour's city council leader Matthew Brown said the local authority would "work to ensure that these vulnerable residents continue to receive co-ordinated support, rather than falling into crisis".

The city council would "work closely with other Lancashire authorities to ensure that there is no break in support across the services we currently provide," the statement continued.

He said residents would have their say at next year's local elections.

"We have a moral duty under international law to support those at risk of persecution and torture, including women and children who have legal status to remain in the UK," he added.

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