Briefings and responses

Since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, councils have been working closely with the Government to ensure support for new arrivals from Ukraine is put in place quickly and at scale, and families are kept safe.

We are working to ensure local authorities are able to deliver their duties and keep children safe.

Our substantive asks regarding providing a clear framework for housing checks; guidance around dealing with safeguarding issues beyond just the initial DBS check; clear steer on breakdown of placements and rematching and clarity of data still require further detail. The LGA and councils are keen to continue to work with the Government on these issues.

The LGA is working alongside the Government, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNCHR) to ensure individual needs are assessed so that the resettlement offers match people's requirements.

Councils in England currently look after 69,500 children who are unable to live with their birth parents, a figure that has increased by just under 2,500 over the past three years.

The Home Office is consulting with councils on a cap on safe and legal routes to the UK with a deadline of 15 December. Please read some views from the LGA to inform responses.

Local authorities lead on work with local partners and local communities to help families settle into their new homes.

Councils have a strong track record in welcoming asylum seeking children.

Local authorities are responsible for preventing the most vulnerable migrants from falling into destitution and homelessness.

Local government would welcome discussions with Government on potential impacts on councils of the Illegal Migration Bill. The Third Reading of the Bill will take place in the House of Lords on 10 July 2023.