Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Y Jardine and

C L Philpott.

In accordance with the provisions of the Code of Conduct adopted by the City and County of Swansea, no interests were declared.

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting of the Equalities Committee held on 27 August 2014.

RESOLVED that the Minutes of the Equalities Committee meeting held on 27 August 2014 be agreed as a correct record.

H Clancy, A Khalil, S Kiki and M Shafayat provided a detailed and informative presentation on Asylum Seekers, Refugees AND Immigration.  Details provided in the presentation included:-

·         BME Population of Swansea.

·         Who is an asylum seeker, refugee, economic migrant?

·         Everyone has a right to seek protection.

·         Wales has been a dispersal area for asylum seekers since 2001.

·         Swansea asylum seeker profile.

·         Overview of the asylum process.

·         Asylum support.

·         On receiving a decision.

·         No recourse to public funds.

·         Local housing provision for asylum seekers.

·         Asylum seeker accommodation in Swansea.

·         Why do people seek sanctuary here?

·         What are the issues that asylum seekers and refugees in Swansea face?

The Committee asked a number of questions in relation to the presentation which were responded to accordingly.  A workshop discussion took place and matters discussed included the following: -

·         Issues faced by asylum seekers and refugees.

·         Opportunities/lack of opportunities to study, particularly learning English.

·         The need to make people more aware of the situations facing asylum seekers/refugees.

·         Housing needs in Swansea and quality control of housing stock.

·         Signage in public buildings to assist those asylum seekers/refugees who do not speak English.

·         The need to improve the service to asylum seekers/refugees provided by the Job Centre.

·         Additional in-depth training to be provided for Members.

It was added that a visit to a drop-in centre at St Phillips Community Centre/Brunswick Church Hall, St Helen’s Road will be arranged for Councillors to attend as required.

RESOLVED that:

(1)       the contents of the presentation be noted;

(2)       visits be scheduled to either St Phillips Community Centre of Brunswick   Street drop-in centres;

(3)       Members be provided with additional more in-depth training in relation       to asylum seekers/refugees, if required.

There were none.

The Chair presented the revised Work Plan Timetable for 2014/2015.

RESOLVED that the contents of the report be noted.

NOTED that the next meeting of the Equalities Committee is scheduled for 5.00 p.m. on Wednesday 22 October 2014.