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 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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.