Memorandum by The West Midlands Strategic Migration Partnership (WMSMP)

Please find below a submission from the West Midlands Strategic Migration Partnership (WMSMP) to the call for evidence on Community Cohesion and Migration:

• the effect of recent inward migration on community cohesion, and public concerns about this effect;

In the West Midlands, there is no significant evidence about an increase in concerns about cohesion linked to recent inward migration. In a recent study 'The Economic Impact of migrant workers in the West Midlands (November, 2007)' by the University of Warwick for the Regional Observatory, a few organisations reported some tensions between and within population groups, including migrants. More concern was expressed about extremist groups and the media building on myths and misinformation about migrant workers and anecdotally in the region migrants have been more likely to be the victims than perpetrators of crime and prejudice.

WMSMP has recently completed a regional migration scoping which identified current practice and initiatives, issues and recommendations in relation to migration (see www.wmlga.gov.uk/asylum). This report recognises that cohesion issues can unfortunately be associated with and blamed on the presence of new migrants in an area rather than with other issues an area may already be experiencing such as deprivation and poverty. This tendency is exacerbated in the West Midlands and other regions by the availability of affordable private rented housing in existing areas of deprivation and the corresponding settlement of new migrants into these areas, especially where urban. A lack of a 'sense of belonging' particularly at a community level for some migrant workers was also identified in the region.

 

• the role, responsibilities and actions of different bodies on community cohesion and migration, including those of local and central government and of employers;

 

A seminar held by WMSMP in July 2007 highlighted good cohesion practice in communities of change in the region. However, all projects showcased were voluntary sector and concern was expressed about the limited leadership and involvement of some Local Authorities on migration and cohesion issues, particularly in those areas of existing high diversity now experiencing rapidly increased inward migration. This said the scoping exercise identified some examples of good practice amongst Local Authorities that had welcomed seasonal workers for some time for example in Herefordshire, quick action from the Police and the Council which involved educating the migrant community about culturally appropriate behaviour and etiquette, virtually eliminated some public behavioural issues that had emerged.

 

• the effectiveness of local and central government action and expenditure in promoting community cohesion and responding to inward migration flows, with particular regard to the following:

-areas that have experienced rapid increases in new inward migration,

-areas that have a lack of experience of diversity,

-areas where new migrant communities mix with existing settled migrant communities;

At a regional strategic level, WMSMP is developing our core refugee and asylum work to also bring together agencies from different sectors involved in work on migration issues to coordinate actions addressing these issues. However, no additional funding has been allocated from central government for this expanded role and regional bodies are yet to develop their funding strategies on migration. The national call by Local Authorities in areas of high inward migration for central government resources to respond to this migration is echoed in the West Midlands and there is a particular need for additional support for Councils in areas that have a lack of experience of diversity and of dealing with new arrivals. The lack of inclusion of new migration in Local Area Agreement targets was disappointing and a key opportunity lost to encourage Local Strategic Partnerships to address and actively monitor migration issues in collaboration with central government.

• the role of the English language as a tool in promoting the integration of migrants;

Migrants, refugees and asylum seekers have been significantly affected by the LSC's reduction in funding for ESOL courses and associated support such as childcare and in the West Midlands access to ESOL amongst these groups has decreased. The shift in emphasis towards ESOL in employment means that those not in employment or working long, unsociable hours or with unsupportive employers are not accessing language support. The voluntary sector has tried to respond by providing community based ESOL classes using volunteers but does not have the resources for an adequate response. Migrants in the region have reported a lack of availability of qualified interpreters particularly in the NHS which has led to instances of the misdiagnosis of serious illnesses.

• the impact of recent migration on local communities, including the impact on housing, education, health care, and other public services; and

Impact on services in the region in areas of migration are variable and have mainly been seen in schools and businesses rather than in health care and public housing. The regional study on the economic impact of migration found no significant evidence of substitution or wage dampening due to migrant workers; however, this does not fit with some public and media perceptions at a local level of migrants 'taking our jobs' and there is a strong need for local and central government to address these myths and promote accurate and positive messages about migrant workers as recommended in the Commission for Integration and Cohesion. This said, a population increase without adequate resources and services to support it will exacerbate community tensions and additional resources, services and fair distribution and access are important pre-requisites to reduce tension and facilitate cooperation (Temple & Moran, 2005) when communities experience a population change due to migration.

• actions to take forward the Commission on Integration and Cohesion's recommendations relating to migration.'

Commission recommendations on migration were strongly evidence-based and welcomed by many working on migrant issues. However, there has as yet been limited actions to take forward these recommendations, particularly at a central government level, for example a national model for a Welcome Pack has yet to been produced, leading to regional and local packs being developed and duplicated around the country. A national strategic response in terms of policy and programme development on cohesion and migration is also awaited. This said, some agencies and Councils have responded at a local level and Coventry has recently held the first of its Welcome receptions for new arrivals to the city and at a regional level, WMSMP's cohesion group has developed an awareness raising resource on refugee and migrant issues.