Strategies for promoting integration at the city region level
Article
We argue that mayors can take action on improving English language provision, tackling economic exclusion, and offering accessible services for those with insecure immigration status. First, we propose that mayors can use new powers over the adult education budget to tailor ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) provision for their city regions. Second, we argue that mayors can include efforts to foster and develop the talents and skills of migrants as an important part of their regional economic planning. Third, we suggest ways for mayors to encourage local services - such as the police, GPs, homelessness outreach, and social services - to be accessible to all people regardless of their immigration status.
As we highlight in this briefing, many mayors are already exploring innovative approaches using their new powers and platforms to promote integration in their city regions. As the UK begins its social and economic recovery, mayors now have the opportunity to build on their work to bring down barriers to integration and strengthen community relations.
Related items
Taken to heart: Inequalities in heart disease in Scotland
More than 7.6 million people across the UK live with cardiovascular disease (CVD), around twice as many as live with Alzheimer’s disease and cancer combined.Skills passports: An essential part of a fair transition
This month, government will publish its Clean Energy Workforce Strategy. This plan covers two aims. First, filling the growing demand for skills in clean energy industries is essential to keep on track to reach the government’s clean power…Fixing the leak: How to end the £22 billion annual taxpayer losses at the Bank of England
The Bank of England increased its interest rates over recent years, aimed at reducing inflation. But this has also had an unintended effect on the Bank of England’s massive government bond buying – ‘quantitative easing’ – programme.