Key Points:
- Hackney Mayor Caroline Woodley aims for the borough to achieve ‘Borough of Sanctuary’ status by April 2026.
- The move reflects a commitment to welcoming refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants.
- Hackney has worked with the Hackney Refugee and Migrant Forum and other partners since 2023.
- The status is granted by the national City of Sanctuary charity.
- Hackney Council has challenged former Home Secretary Suella Braverman’s stance on the Windrush Scheme.
- The borough also challenged the Labour government to abandon the ‘hostile environment’ immigration policy.
- Mayor Woodley delivered several updates during Mayor’s Question Time, including housing, SEND provision, and poverty reduction.
- Over 40% of Hackney’s children are living in poverty, according to the mayor.
- Selective landlord licensing and expanded family support schemes are part of her administration’s current plans.
Hackney Mayor Caroline Woodley has announced her ambition to secure ‘Borough of Sanctuary’ status for the borough within a year, highlighting efforts to create a safe and inclusive environment for migrants and refugees.
Speaking during Mayor’s Question Time on Thursday, 10 April, Mayor Woodley said Hackney Council is continuing to work closely with the Hackney Refugee and Migrant Forum (HRMF) and other local organisations in a bid to earn the recognition from City of Sanctuary, the UK-wide charity that promotes welcoming communities for displaced people.
What does becoming a Borough of Sanctuary mean for Hackney?
‘Borough of Sanctuary’ status is a national recognition granted to local authorities that demonstrate a clear commitment to welcoming and supporting asylum seekers, refugees and migrants.
Mayor Woodley emphasised Hackney’s alignment with this goal, stating:
“We have already demonstrated our commitment. I’ve been working alongside the Refugee and Migrant Forum and others in the hope of achieving that status within a year.”
According to the City of Sanctuary network, the title is reserved for boroughs that foster partnerships between councils and voluntary or community groups, creating a visible culture of safety and inclusion.
When did Hackney begin its journey toward sanctuary status?
Hackney began formally pursuing sanctuary status in 2023, following a majority backing from elected councillors. This marked the start of a broad programme of community and policy initiatives, including lobbying efforts and public advocacy.
One of the borough’s notable actions was a formal appeal to former Home Secretary Suella Braverman, urging her to reconsider her decision to scale back elements of the Windrush Compensation Scheme.
How has Hackney challenged national immigration policies?
This year, Hackney Council issued a direct challenge to the incoming Labour government, calling for the abandonment of the previous Conservative-led ‘hostile environment’ policy aimed at undocumented migrants.
Through HRMF, the council has maintained pressure on central government while continuing to coordinate local services that support the migrant population.
What role does the Refugee and Migrant Forum play?
The Hackney Refugee and Migrant Forum (HRMF) plays a key role in supporting sanctuary efforts. Operating within the North East London Integrated Care Board (NEL ICB), it works in collaboration with both the NHS and local authorities.
According to the group’s mission, it “effectively oversees and supports all third-sector organisations in City and Hackney, ensuring a comprehensive and cohesive network of assistance for migrants and refugees”.
What other updates did the mayor provide during Mayor’s Question Time?
As part of her address to the committee, Mayor Woodley delivered a series of updates on wider council priorities:
What’s the latest on SEND funding and schools?
The mayor reported that Hackney had secured millions in funding to expand services for special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), with the goal of establishing a new special school within the borough.
What steps are being taken on housing and landlord regulation?
Mayor Woodley reaffirmed her administration’s intention to introduce borough-wide selective landlord licensing, which will require landlords to obtain a permit before renting out properties.
While the rollout was delayed, she confirmed that plans would go before cabinet this month. Those enrolled in accreditation schemes could benefit from discounted fees, encouraging best practices in the private rented sector.
How is Hackney addressing child poverty?
The mayor painted a stark picture of inequality, revealing that over 40% of Hackney’s children are living in poverty.
In response, the council launched several support measures:
- A council tax reduction scheme offering up to 90% relief for qualifying households, rolled out two years ahead of schedule.
- Four new children and family hubs across the borough.
- 26 commissioned support services for vulnerable families and young people.
What challenges did the mayor highlight?
Mayor Woodley reflected on the continuing struggles faced by many Hackney residents. She said:
“There’s a huge gap between residents who are really benefiting from all the amenities that we offer, and those that are just almost hidden and that we’re at risk of losing.”
She recalled visiting homes after the pandemic and encountering residents with serious mental health concerns or poor living conditions, noting that many people “feel left behind”.
Woodley stressed the importance of partnerships with groups like Citizens Advice, which can offer frontline support to those most in need.
With official Borough of Sanctuary status on the horizon, the next 12 months will be pivotal for Hackney’s leadership. For Mayor Woodley, it is a vision built on inclusion, advocacy, and addressing the borough’s most urgent inequalities.
