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The Gateway Protection Programme

The Gateway Protection Programme. By Sheila Bamford, Executive Director Horton Housing Association Sandra Haigh, Head of Service , New Communities, Horton Housing Association Mark Taylor, The Taylor Partnership Ltd. The History.

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The Gateway Protection Programme

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  1. The Gateway Protection Programme By Sheila Bamford, Executive Director Horton Housing Association Sandra Haigh, Head of Service , New Communities, Horton Housing Association Mark Taylor, The Taylor Partnership Ltd

  2. The History • In the 2002 White Paper – Secure Borders, Safe Haven – the Government announced plans to introduce the first UK quota resettlement programme as part of its commitment to develop an effective international protection scheme. • The scheme began in March 2004 and is a partnership between the UK Government and the UNHCR. • 20 other countries are involved – including USA, Australia, Sweden, Netherlands, Canada & Denmark.

  3. The need for re-settlement • Not all refugees who make it out of their country of persecution will reach safety. • The majority will not get beyond their region of origin. • Some will make it no further than a neighbouring country • Often the reasons for fleeing may still exist in the new, host country – as conflict and political unrest penetrate borders. • Host countries are simply unable, themselves, to cope with the humanitarian needs of the refugees. • In those cases, this can lead to yet further persecution and discrimination.

  4. Gateway in the UK • Is funded by Central Government and the European Refugee Fund • Is based as a partnership between Central Government, Local Authorities and local providers of services. • Is the only managed migration scheme which carries with it a funding package. • Is already operating in a number of cities eg Sheffield, Hull, Norwich, Greater Manchester and – since 2008 – Bradford

  5. Calderdale and Migration 1 • 37% of St Johns • 21% of Warley • 20% of Town • is of Pakistani origin(2001 census) • Between May 2004 and December 2007 there were 3,686 approved WRS applications from A8 countries. • This equates to 12/1000 – higher than Bradford (11/1000), Leeds (7/1000) – the highest, proportionately, in West Yorkshire.

  6. Calderdale and Migration 2 • Between 2005 and 2030, Calderdale is expected to witness a • 56.3% increase in the Asian population • 60.8% increase in the Black population • 87.9% increase in the Chinese population • 2.9% increase in the white population Migrant communities are arriving in Calderdale. They are accessing services and support without any additional funding

  7. How would Gateway benefit Calderdale? • It is the only managed migration scheme that carries funding. • All costs of housing, wrap around services, education, health and support are met by Central Government for 12 months. • Funding would assist Calderdale’s long term integration/cohesion strategy. • Gateway status would enhance Calderdale’s reputation of as a vibrant and diverse place to live.

  8. Housing • UKBA will pay void costs for 6 weeks. • UKBA will pay for furniture • As the refugees are all in receipt of Indefinite Leave to Remain, they are entitled to benefits including housing benefit. • Bolton and Bury offer a model of housing for one year with support to move on – keeping their housing stock for future Gateway programmes • Bradford offers permanent housing upon arrival.

  9. Health • All refugees are screened prior to arrival and their needs assessed. • Any costs incurred by the PCT in the first 12 months are funded by Gateway. • UK BA will negotiate directly with the PCT.

  10. Education • Bolton has introduced a successful pre-mainstream centre – Starting Point – that has demonstrable academic achievement and cost-effectiveness. • In Bradford – all children have been placed directly into schools. • UKBA funded ESOL and cultural orientation classes for the adults.

  11. Support Services Horton Housing Association: • meets refugees at the airport • provides wrap around support on a daily basis • liaises with education, PCT, social services, DWP • delivers ESOL, cultural orientation and employment training

  12. Success in Bradford • Bradford welcomed one of the most challenging refugee groups, The Rohingyans. • The project has been such a success, a further 100 Rohingyans will be arriving this year. • The Bradford model has been acknowledged to be one of the best in the country. • The refugees are settled and safe.

  13. The fear of the BNP • Similar fears were raised in Bradford. • Gateway has been delivered without any negative publicity • The recent European elections saw the BNP polling 10.14% of the vote in Calderdale.

  14. Next steps • UK BA is keen to work with new potential Gateway cities. • An in principle “expression of interest” to UKBA would give some indication as to future projects that are in the pipeline. • Contact, support and co-operation of partners is essential: housing providers; Council; PCT; education; and wrap around services.

  15. Who are the refugees? • Selected by the IOM and UNHCR • 2007 – 2009, UKBA agreed to welcome 250 Rohingyans (from Bangladesh) and 500 Iraqis (from Jordan). • UK has welcomed Congolese, Ethiopians, Sudanese etc too • House sizes, needs etc will depend on the particular requirements of the refugee group. A greater demand for single flats amongst Iraqis – larger family houses for some Africans and Asians.

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