A motion seeking to remove Calderdale Council from the Local Authority of Sanctuary network has prompted a swift response from a local charity that champions hospitality towards refugees and people seeking sanctuary.
What has been proposed
Reform councillor and council deputy leader Paul Hawkaluk has submitted a motion asking the authority to withdraw from the scheme. The Conservative-run group claims membership commits the council "to principles of additional welcoming and support for migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers", language cited by supporters of the motion.
Charity response and concerns
Calderdale Valley of Sanctuary, which promotes making the borough a welcoming place for people forced to flee conflict or persecution, said it understood the financial and service pressures facing local government. But the organisation stressed that the Local Authority of Sanctuary programme does not oblige councils to provide new or extra statutory services; instead, it aims to improve how existing services reach and support people already living locally.
"These are real concerns,"
The charity outlined that the network fosters collaboration between the council, voluntary groups, faith organisations and communities to make information and support easier to access and to help people become independent and contribute to local life.
Local context and membership
Calderdale has been part of the Local Authority of Sanctuary network since 2023. Supporters of the scheme say it encourages better coordination and sharing of good practice between agencies and community partners.
- Membership seeks to cultivate a culture of hospitality and welcome.
- Network members pledge to help people integrate and access services more easily.
- The decision will be debated at the next full council meeting.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Council membership | Since 2023 |
| Proposed action | Withdrawal from Local Authority of Sanctuary (motion submitted) |
The debate comes amid broader concerns about council budgets and demand for statutory services. The charity acknowledged elected members must consider how to prioritise within limited resources, but argued the sanctuary approach complements existing provision rather than creating extra obligations.
The immediate next step is for councillors to discuss the motion at the full council meeting scheduled for next week. The outcome could shape how the authority is seen by local voluntary groups, faith communities and residents who work with people seeking sanctuary.
As the council prepares to consider the motion, voluntary organisations and community partners will be watching for any changes to the authority's formal stance on welcoming people who have fled persecution or conflict.
