Divisive refugee 'county of sanctuary' proposals in Hertfordshire set for further scrutiny
Plans which could see Hertfordshire County Council seek “County of Sanctuary” status will be discussed by councillors next week, as a petition opposing the proposal passes 11,000 signatures.
The proposal will be considered by the county council’s Public Health and Community Safety Cabinet Panel today.
No decisions have yet been made on whether Hertfordshire should formally pursue accreditation through the City of Sanctuary network, an initiative which was blasted last month by Conservative Broxbourne MP Lewis Cocking as a “grandstanding gesture”.
The motion, referred to the panel by full council in July, asks councillors to consider the implications, opportunities and resource requirements associated with working towards recognition as a County of Sanctuary.
The report before council members says they should examine the requirements of the accreditation process and the existing support already provided to refugees and asylum seekers.
It adds that they should examine any potential benefits, risks and resource implications. The document also suggests exploring partnerships working with councils, voluntary organisations, faith groups and refugee support organisations.
The debate comes after a Change.org petition calling for a referendum on the proposal attracted more than 11,000 signatures.
Among those backing the petition is Cllr Peter Colley (Restore Britain, Bedwell). He said: “My immediate opposition is against the current clandestine process that pulls areas under sanctuary schemes. This is a national democratic failure.
“The people of Hertfordshire must be given the decision on this authoritarian proposed monumental alteration to the way our county manages our taxes and residents’ best interests.”
Cllr Colley said scrutiny was needed of what the council already contributes towards services linked to refugee and asylum support.
The City of Sanctuary movement describes itself as a charity which works with organisations and communities to create welcoming environments for people seeking sanctuary.
According to guidance published by the organisation, City of Sanctuary accreditation does not affect asylum dispersal arrangements, housing allocations or decisions about who enters the UK.
The City of Sanctuary charity says those matters remain the responsibility of the central government and that it has “no knowledge, insight or influence” over such schemes.
It adds the process is designed to review and improve existing systems and partnerships rather than create new structures within councils, with responsibility for services remaining with the local authority.
Councils are required to pay a £2,700 administration fee if they do agree to become accredited under the City of Sanctuary scheme.
Many councils pursuing accreditation are already involved in government refugee resettlement or asylum support programmes, according to the charity.
Monday’s meeting will explore whether the council should investigate the accreditation further and what information is needed before any decision is taken.