Briefings and responses

The latest key messages from a general debate on Ukraine in the House of Commons, 25 May 2022.

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.

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.

Councils continue to work hard to support and deliver the many programmes for refugees and asylum seekers currently in operation. Councils want to work with central government to find sustainable solutions that minimise the pressures on local authorities, their communities and vulnerable individuals.

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

Local authorities are the primary point of engagement for identifying where refugees are to be resettled, and lead on work with local partners and communities to help families settle into their new homes.

Councils, working with central government, national partners and regional bodies, have shown great leadership in building additional capacity for children from the Calais camp at fast pace

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

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.

Councils have an excellent track record in welcoming unaccompanied children for many years and continue to work hard to support the many programmes for refugees and asylum seekers in current operation.