Agenda and minutes

The Scrutiny Board noted that Councillor Hopkins dealt with casework relating to Ukrainian guests in her employment capacity.

a)  To agree the Minutes of the previous meeting held on 6 October, 2022

b)  Matters arising

The minutes of the previous meeting held on 6^th October, 2022 were agreed as a true record.

There were no matters arising.

Briefing Note of the Chief Partnership Officer

The Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities introduced the item.  The Board were advised that in keeping with preferences regarding the individuals concerned, that rather than being referred to as refugees, the term ‘guest’ was used and that the individual supporting the guest was referred to as the ‘host’.

The Scrutiny Board considered a Briefing Note and presentation which outlined the Homes for Ukraine Scheme, covering the following points:

·  Information and background to the scheme.

·  Coventry City Council’s 9 main functions:

o  Initial Reception

o  Safeguarding Checks

o  Interim Payment of £200 for Guests

o  Community Integration

o  Provision of Education

o  Service referrals

o  Work and Benefits

o  Homelessness Assistance

o  Administering Payments to Sponsors

·  An update on progress

·  Support for Guests

·  Support for Sponsors/Hosts

·  Communication

·  Matching and re-matching

·  Additional Support

·  Communication strategies

·  Move on accommodation

·  Long term integration needs

·  Distribution of refugees from Ukraine across Europe

·  Current numbers of properties accommodating guests, further guests expected to arrive in Coventry, accommodation checks completed and guests in employment

·  Current guest numbers:  163 adults, 68 children.

·  Location of people resettled under the Ukrainian visitor schemes

·  Current challenges

The Scrutiny Board asked questions and received information from officers on the following:

·  Under the Homes for Ukraine Scheme, the Council received £10,500 per guest to cover the first year.

·  Local figures for the Family Scheme were not available.

·  After the first year, guests were independent and could move on.  Information regarding location would be shared where possible.

·  Some types of suitable accommodation were in short supply across the city however, officers were looking at how to support guests to take on tenancy agreements.

·  The Homes for Ukraine Scheme was not just limited to Ukrainian nationals but to qualify, a person should be resident in the Ukraine at the outbreak of hostilities.

·  Difficulties had been experienced when one parent was not from Ukraine as the application could not be undertaken online, but at the visa centre, where there were long delays. 

·  Translators were in good supply and there were multi-lingual assistants in the libraries available to work with guests. SITU services were also available if required.  Guests generally spoke good English and were also focused on improving their English skills.

·  Council officers worked closely with the guests and employers to assist in obtaining employment.

·  Accessibility was good for guests wishing to undertake higher education at local Universities and the Migration Team assisted in signposting guests to areas of support such as university bursaries and student loans.

·  Integration was part of the Migration teams every day work, connecting with community and voluntary bodies and hosts had played a huge role in helping guests become established and integrated.

·  The Ethnic Minority Achievement Service in Coventry had supported placing children into schools and Government funding had provided multi-lingual assistants who supported the children’s transition into schools with translation, induction and adjustment.

·  Public computers and wifi were available at the library for guests to use.  Hosts also raised any issues with the Migration Team and ensured communication with  ...  view the full minutes text for item 17.

Briefing Note of the Director of Law and Governance

The Scrutiny Board considered the Work Programme 2022/23 and suggested that the Homes for Ukraine be included on the Work Programme in June/July 2023 and that the item on Dropped Kerb Applications be brought forward.

RESOLVED that the items identified by the Scrutiny Board be added/brought forward to the Work Programme 2022/23.

There were no other items of urgent public business.