Cabinet, at its meeting on 8 July 2026, will consider a report outlining the progress made in Year 1 to implement the Council of Sanctuary Framework and Action Plan and plans for delivery in the next year. The report also seeks approval for the adoption of the new Framework Action Plan for Year 2.

The Committee is asked to consider the report and agree any recommendations.

Cabinet, at its meeting on 8 July 2026, will consider a report outlining the progress made in Year 1 to implement the Council of Sanctuary Framework and Action Plan and delivery plans in the next year.  

Councillor Smith, Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities, Richard Wood, Head of Homelessness and Housing Need, and Stephen Cohen, Refugee and Resettlement Manager, were present to respond to questions. 

Councillor Smith highlighted that the report includes a comprehensive summary of the Year 2 Action Plan which focuses on points such as improved coordination and systemwide working, more equitable access to provision across the city, stronger progression routes in employment, and increased involvement and leadership of people with lived experience. The Committee heard that the goal is to transition from a pilot activity to a long-term and sustainable delivery model. Councillor Smith also summarised the need for enhanced communications and community cohesion to combat negative narratives and inaccurate information; reference was paid to social media narratives on topics such as social housing.  

The Refugee and Resettlement Manager summarised the report, noting that it sets out progress made against the year one action plan of the three-year plan with a focus on six priority areas derived from topics highlighted through research and engagement with residents and partnership work. The Committee heard that the framework aims to ensure a coordinated approach to supporting refugees, asylum seekers, and vulnerable migrants in the city, whilst also retaining a consideration of existing residents and hopes the benefits will be wider for Oxford and residents. A comprehensive summary of key successes to date was delivered, including increased staff training, support for individual projects such as the school advocacy project, and increased support for moves into private sector accommodation. The Committee heard that many of the initiatives within the action plan also aim to encourage people towards independence through focusing on employability skills, health and well-being, and volunteering opportunities. In terms of future challenges, The Refugee and Resettlement Manager noted that attention will be paid to addressing emerging regulations and legislation from national government, continuing to combat anti-migrant sentiment, and continuing to support homelessness prevention via the procurement of accommodation. It was emphasised that this work would be underpinned by an endeavour to ensure residents' voices are included and considered.  

The Chair invited questions from the Committee.  

Councillor Jarvis noted that the report suggested outperformance against KPIs linked to wellbeing, leisure, and therapeutic outcomes; he asked whether this was a result of significant success, or underestimation of the need required from the outset.  In the case of an underestimation, he further queried what the impact of this would be, and whether preparations have since been made for higher uptake in the future. Secondly, in reference to the positive housing outcomes KPI, Councillor Jarvis queried why this was not met, and how the Council compares to other local authorities. 

In response to Councillor Jarvis’ first question, the Refugee and Resettlement Manager explained that the grant funding received by the Council is designated for  ...  view the full minutes text for item 18