County Council to discuss becoming a 'Council of Sanctuary'

Powys County Council's Cabinet will discuss a proposal to formally join the City of Sanctuary Local Authority Network and apply to become a 'Council of Sanctuary' as part of the City of Sanctuary movement.

According to the report, which will be discussed by Cabinet Members on the 11th July, the County Council has a rich history of welcoming sanctuary seekers, and since 2016, the council has been actively supporting the resettlement of refugees in the county. As of 12th June 2023, the local authority is providing assistance to six Afghan families, fifteen Syrian families, and 105 Ukrainian families.

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Currently, Powys County Council is involved in various resettlement schemes, including the UK Resettlement Scheme (UKRS), the Afghan Relocation and Assistance Programme (ARAP), the Homes for Ukraine scheme, and the Welsh Government Ukraine Super Sponsor scheme. Additionally, a community sponsorship group called Croeso Llanidloes, supported by the council, is collaborating with the Home Office to resettle a refugee family.

While Swansea is the only Welsh local authority that has achieved 'Council of Sanctuary' status, Flintshire, Newport, Vale of Glamorgan, and Monmouthshire local authorities have recently passed motions to work toward this accreditation.

The proposal before Powys County Council recommends formally joining the City of Sanctuary Local Authority Network and commencing the application process for becoming an accredited 'Council of Sanctuary.' The council would pledge to support the City of Sanctuary's vision, endorse the City of Sanctuary Charter, recognize the contributions of sanctuary seekers, challenge anti-refugee and anti-migrant attitudes, and actively contribute to turning support into practical action.

While membership of the local authority network is free, achieving accreditation as a Council of Sanctuary would incur a cost of £1500 for a three-year period. This fee can be accommodated within the existing resettlement budgets.

In 2019, the Welsh Government announced its plan, endorsed by the United Nations, to make Wales the world's first 'Nation of Sanctuary.' This plan aims to welcome individuals through safe and legal routes, providing humanitarian assistance for rebuilding their lives. Powys County Council has already started making progress toward this plan and, if approved, will expedite the mapping of this progress and develop a local action plan.