Decision details

15.1

The Executive Director, Communities submitted a report seeking authority for the Council to enter into two further funding agreements for an extension of the Gateway Protection Programme, to run from 1/4/14 – 31/3/16 and, subject to satisfactory funding arrangements, for the Council to continue receiving the grant funding from the Home Office for the delivery of the programme and enter into sub-agreements with Hull City Council and the Refugee Council, on terms which reflect the Council’s agreements with the Home Office, for the services that they deliver.

15.2

RESOLVED: That, subject to the Home Office agreeing the costs submitted, Cabinet approves:-

(a)

that the Council enters into 2 funding agreements with the Home Office to deliver the Gateway Protection Programme for the period from 1/4/14 – 31/3/16;

(b)

that the Council enters into funding agreements with the Refugee Council and Hull City Council for the elements of the programme that they deliver on terms that reflect the Council’s agreement with the Home Office; and

(c)

that delegated authority be given to the Executive Director, Communities in consultation with the Director of Finance to instruct the Director of Legal and Governance to finalise terms and to complete the necessary documentation.

15.3

Reasons for Decision

15.3.1

The Council has managed a successful programme delivery partnership with Hull City Council and the Refugee Council since 2011. As well as overall management of the programme, the Council has also managed the provision of housing and associated tenancy support for the Gateway refugees. The local authority VCF partnership provides excellent quality and value for money services and delivering a further programme going forward will ensure the continuity of the current delivery partnership as well as providing the best housing and resettlement services for new refugees arriving in the City.

15.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

15.4.1

If the Council did not enter into the funding agreements with the Home Office for this extension the Home Officer have confirmed that they would not have enough time to identify another partner in the City to provide the housing and to contract with for the resettlement programme in Yorkshire and the Humber. This would mean that the national programme may not achieve its quota to resettle 750 refugees in 14/15.

15.4.2

The current delivery partners have both committed to continuing the existing arrangements for the period of the extension.

15.5

Any Interest Declared or Dispensation Granted

None

15.6

Reason for Exemption if Public/Press Excluded During Consideration

None

15.7

Respective Director Responsible for Implementation

Richard Webb, Executive Director, Communities

15.8

Relevant Scrutiny and Policy Development Committee If Decision Called In

Executive Director, Communities