Ahead of local and mayoral elections in England, which are
just six weeks away, the UK’s pre-eminent progressive think-tank
has today set out three ways in which England’s mayors could
support migrants, giving a boost to regional economies.
For years, most policy decisions affecting integration have
been made in Whitehall. However, during the pandemic many people
in the immigration system across the country have faced
significant challenges - from accessing high quality ESOL
(English for Speakers of Other Languages) provision to
registering with a GP and therefore getting a Covid-19
vaccine.
As many of England’s combined authority areas look to vote
for their next, or first, mayor the time has come for candidates
to set out how they would use their existing powers and influence
to make a difference for new and settled communities.
IPPR’s research shows that mayoral candidates could commit
to:
-
Promoting high-quality English language
provision as part of their skills offer, by using
devolved powers over the adult education budget to commission
‘ESOL for integration’ courses developed in collaboration with
local communities, as well as partnering with local employers
to co-fund ESOL provision for migrant employees
-
Supporting economic inclusion by
factoring the talents and skills of migrants into their local
economic plans
-
Creating sanctuary city regions
including by promoting ‘safe surgery’ initiatives with local
health leaders, to register undocumented migrants with GPs,
ensuring that they receive the primary care - including the
Covid-19 vaccination - that they need.
From better community integration to economic planning that
makes the best use of available skills, researchers have pointed
to the significant benefits of these policy ideas. In particular,
action taken by mayors to support ‘safe surgeries’ - an
initiative to tackle the reality that many migrants are unable to
register with local GPs despite being eligible for primary care -
could have a positive impact on the health of the nation by
improving take up of Covid-19 vaccines.
Today’s research identifies examples of good practice
already happening in combined authority areas, such as the West
Midlands and Greater Manchester where the combined authorities
have made calls for reform of the government’s ‘no recourse of
public funds’ policy, and action to reduce homelessness has
supported, not excluded, people with no recourse to public
funds.
Marley Morris, IPPR associate director for
immigration, trade and EU relations, said:
“From promoting ‘ESOL for integration’
to encouraging safe surgeries in their communities, today’s
research provides mayoral candidates across England with ideas
for supporting integration in their city
regions.
“The Covid-19 pandemic has had a major impact
on people in the immigration system. Many migrant workers, who
often have no access to public funds due to their status, have
found themselves at risk of unemployment and destitution over the
past year, while the work of community groups and English
language providers has been disrupted by the repeat
lockdowns.
“As we look to rebuild after the pandemic, England’s
metro mayors, who represent more than half of the UK’s migrant
population, can and should use their existing powers and
platforms to play an important role in removing the barriers to
integration for migrant communities and promoting local
cohesion.”
