Council aims to do more to help asylum seekers

HALF of the over 1,000 people in Bristol seeking asylum are children with the majority living in three hotels. Councillors praised the diversity of the city and pledged to provide extra support to asylum seekers living in Bristol despite the rising rhetoric against immigration across the UK.

- ALEX SEABROOK Local Democracy Reporter

The total number of asylum seekers in Bristol is around a third of a size of one school year group in the city. A leading councillor said this was an important context to show the scale of how many people are staying here, particularly given the proliferating headlines and protests about asylum hotels.

While other councils are trying to get an injunction blocking the Home Office from using hotels in their area, Bristol City Council is about to consult the public on extra support for asylum seekers. This includes more English lessons, free sim cards and advice on how to get GP appointments.

People seeking asylum cannot get legal work while they wait for the Home Office to process their claims, and can struggle to settle into life in the UK. The draft sanctuary strategy was discussed by the children and young people policy committee on Thursday, August 28.