A LOCAL group that helps refugees has told a Government inquiry that “other authorities could learn from Bradford” when it comes to supporting refugees and asylum-seekers.

Today sees the release of a cross-party Parliamentary report into the UK refugee system.

‘Refugees Welcome?’ collected evidence from groups including Bradford Council and the Bradford Refugee Forum. Both raised concerns over the lack of support refugees and asylum-seekers receive, concerns echoed in the report by chairman of the Parliamentary group, MP Thangam Debbonaire.

The Bradford Refugee Forum says of the 4,517 asylum-seekers in receipt of support and accommodation in Yorkshire and Humberside, 721 were accommodated in Bradford.

While people are seeking asylum they are not allowed to work, and are given support that amounts to just £5 a day.

The group’s evidence to the committee says: “Enforced worklessness and living in poverty for extended periods has significant impact on people’s mental health, physical health and ability to find sanctuary.

“The threat of possibly being refused an extension of your leave means that some never feel fully settled here in Bradford.”

It says the district is a leader in supporting refugees, adding: “The Council has worked hard on Bradford being a welcoming place.

“We have a strong and vibrant refugee sector, providing a range of services to people seeking sanctuary in the city. However, many of the charitable organisations are finding their human and financial resources stretched.

“Refugees benefit from the support of Bradford Council, who have led the way regionally and nationally in their approach to welcoming refugees. They take a proactive approach to finding innovative ways to support the refugee community; other local authorities could learn from the Council.”

The Council’s response to the committee said: “Bradford is a City of Sanctuary and as such it is strongly committed to supporting asylum-seekers fleeing persecution.”

The authority recommends the Home Office support refugees until they have full access to other means of support, provide more help to get refugees into work, and give extra support to communities that take on refugees, including as extra funding for local schools.