Have your say on Leeds Council’s Strategic Coordinated and Inclusive Approach to Migration – Deadline 14th April 2025

from Pria Bhabra, Migration Programme Manager, Safer Stronger Communities Team – Leeds City Council

Our vision is that Leeds is a welcoming and compassionate city for all new and existing communities, a place where people feel safe and connected, contributions are valued and celebrated, and individuals, families and communities can reach their full potential.

The Strategic Coordinated and Inclusive Approach to Migration focuses on five priorities to improve access to services, change attitudes and behaviours, increase awareness and understanding, strengthen resilience and build capacity, and strong partnership approaches. The approach was developed in collaboration with citywide partnership

The review of the migration strategy 2021-2025 is currently underway and a short survey has been developed to consult with key partners. We welcome your feedback on the 2021-2025 Strategic Coordinated and Inclusive Approach to Migration to help us shape the new strategy from late 2025 onwards. [edit: a short AI-generated summary of the strategy is presented below – but we recommend you read the whole thing if you have time.] 

If you would like to speak to someone about this survey, please email Leeds City Council’s migration team at [email protected]

We would like you to answer six short questions. The survey will be open until Monday 14th April 2025 at 9am.

Link to the survey:

https://surveys.leeds.gov.uk/s/EJLM58/

Summary of “Migration in Leeds Strategy 2021-2025”

Vision & Approach

Leeds aims to be a welcoming and compassionate city where migrant and established communities feel safe, valued, and connected. The strategy aligns with the city’s broader goal of reducing inequalities and supporting integration.

Migration in Leeds

• Home to 169 nationalities, with 104 languages spoken.
• Migrants contribute significantly to the economy, culture, and diversity.
• Migration is driven by economic opportunities, asylum, family reunification, and other factors.

Key Challenges

1. Access to Services – Limited knowledge of rights and available support.
2. Language Barriers – Difficulty navigating systems due to language gaps.
3. Housing & Employment – Many migrants struggle to secure stable housing and jobs.
4. Healthcare – Uncertainty about entitlements leads to hesitancy in seeking medical care.
5. Community Safety – Hate crime and negative perceptions impact migrants’ well-being.

Strategic Priorities

1. Improve Access to Services – Ensure equitable provision and awareness.
2. Change Attitudes & Behaviors – Promote a culture of welcome and inclusion.
3. Increase Awareness & Understanding – Provide accurate information to migrants and service providers.
4. Strengthen Resilience & Build Capacity – Empower communities to thrive.
5. Foster Strong Partnerships – Enhance collaboration between local authorities, charities, and migrant groups.

Commitments & Outcomes

• People-first approach with inclusive and effective solutions.
• Migrants will have better access to housing, healthcare, education, and employment.
• Communities will feel safe, heard, and able to influence policies.

The strategy underscores Leeds’ long-term commitment to making migration work for all.