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FOI request (FOI227078)
Refugees
Requested Mon 13 November 2017
Responded Mon 13 November 2017I am writing a coursework on correlation of wealth of UK's regions and refugees. The idea is to analyse data on refugees in the UK regions with different percentage of refugees per UK's population. Based on that create mathematical models on their effect on the wealth of the above areas. I chose this project since I'm involved with a number of charities that help refugees and am very passionate about this topic.
I am looking for data for my project and thought I'll get in touch with you hoping you might be able to help.
For my project I need data of the past 20 years, if available, on number of refugees in your region, their country of origin, age and gender. Ideally this data should be individual rather than general number of refugees from country X that would not be connected with gender and age of this person. I understand that in some regions 20 years of data might exceed time/cost exemption under Section 21 of the FOI Act. In this case, would it be possible to prioritise latest figures and work backwards?
Is there any chance you could help me with this data on your region or, perhaps, point out in the right direction where I should search for it?
Response
Thank you for your enquiry. Unfortunately, the local authority does not keep the data you have requested, so I am unable to provide the answer you require. However, as Hastings is leading on the Syrian Vulnerable Persons resettlement Programme for East Sussex, it is possible to provide core data for this particular scheme, but this only goes back one year, so has limited scope. A more fruitful option would be to contact Migrant Help in Dover, who hold a database on which it states the current immigration status of each of their clients. They work closely with Canterbury Christchurch University in Canterbury on a migration-specific study. You may find it useful to approach both.
Also, your query just addresses the category of ‘refugee’. There are a number of ways that people are granted leave to remain the UK, such as Discretionary Leave, Humanitarian Protection, Limited Leave to Remain, Indefinite Leave to Remain etc. Does your study include those categories also? When a person presents to a local authority, there is no requirement for them to record the type of leave to remain given to them, just that they are entitled to access public funds with their particular category of leave. For example, an asylum seeker is unable to access public funds outside of their asylum support package from the Home Office. There are also categories of limited leave to remain (the 10 year route) that state that the individual is allowed to work in the UK, but has no recourse to public funds.
As stated, we would be happy to provide details relating to the Syrian resettled persons, but the data you request is unavailable. Should you wish to discuss this further, you can email Hastings Borough Council on informationofficer@hastings.gov.uk
We wish you every success with your project
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