Nottingham City Council has granted retrospective approval for the receipt and expenditure of the Asylum Dispersal Scheme Grant amounting to £1,079,250.00 for the financial year 2023/24.
The decision was taken in light of the urgent need to allocate and utilize this funding to support asylum seekers residing in Nottingham city.
The grant, issued by the Home Office under the terms of the funding instruction for 2023/24, had not been spent earlier due to awaiting the Delegated Decision Making (DDM) approval.
The Secretary of State for the Home Office is exercising powers under the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 and the Local Government Act 2003 to award this grant to the council.
The funding aims to support the Asylum Seeker Dispersal Scheme and can be used to alleviate specific local pressures on services.
The grant is an incentive for Local Authorities to support Asylum Seekers. Nottingham City Council has always shown commitment to the scheme, and the funding will bolster existing services for asylum seekers in the city.
The decision was deemed urgent due to the immediate need to allocate and spend the funding to support asylum seekers in Nottingham City.
Delaying the allocation could hinder the delivery of vital services to this vulnerable group, the council says.
Consultations and Implications:
Ward Councillor Sajid Mohammed and Brein Fisher, Regional Migration Manager, East Midlands Strategic Migration Partnership, were consulted regarding the fund. The funding is not ring-fenced, allowing flexibility in its utilization.
The decision also considers the potential crime and disorder implications. Asylum seekers, being a vulnerable group, may face challenges like hate crime, health issues, language barriers, and isolation. The council plans to work with partners to address these issues and provide intensive support.
The decision is classified as a “Leader’s Key Decision” and is not subject to the call-in procedure due to the urgency of the matter.
Financial and Legal Insights:
The Asylum Dispersal Scheme Grant Funding from the Home Office for 2023-24 is available from 1st April 2023 to 31 March 2024. It aims to assist with the costs of supporting Asylum Seekers under Full Asylum Dispersal.
The grant conditions require that the expenditure aligns with the funding requirements to avoid potential clawbacks. Proper documentation and reporting are essential to ensure transparency and adherence to the grant’s conditions.
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