A Welcome Strategy offering additional support and advice for newly arrived residents was approved last night by Haringey Council’s Cabinet, as part of the council’s ongoing commitment to equality and fairness in the borough.
The strategy strengthens Haringey’s Borough Plan commitments to building a cohesive community with good relations between residents from all backgrounds, delivering services that are suitable for and are accessible to all, providing a safe environment and economic opportunities for migrant groups. Through these commitments the council aims to improve the quality of life for all of Haringey’s communities, both newly arrived and longer established.
Haringey is one of the UK’s most diverse local authorities, with the second largest non-UK European-born population of any London borough. Haringey’s population originates from more than 75 different countries and speaks in excess of 100 languages. 91% of the borough’s residents* believe that people in their area from different backgrounds get on well, with the number rising in the borough’s most diverse neighbourhoods.
Brexit has caused much uncertainty about the effect it will have on our EU residents. The council wants to assure all our residents that Haringey will not allow our communities to be divided, regardless of Brexit or other factors.
The strategy will include the creation of a Welcome Advisory Board made up of representatives from local public services and community groups, ensuring that those most knowledgeable about what local people need are involved in the process. This Board will be tasked with developing an Action Plan this year laying out details of positive actions to be taken to ensure that Haringey’s inclusive, integrated and cohesive community is seen as one of the country’s most welcoming places for people of all backgrounds.
Cllr Sarah James, Cabinet Member for Adults and Health, said: “Haringey has a long and proud history of welcoming people from all over the world. We are proud that our borough embraces and celebrates its new neighbours from all over the world.
The Welcome Strategy is our recommitment to this ethos. It is our message to every Haringey resident – this administration stands with you. We oppose the hostile environment for migrants and the divisive rhetoric that sows division amongst us. Haringey remains an open, inclusive and welcoming borough and we continue to thrive as a result of it.”
*Haringey Residents’ Survey 2018 https://www.haringey.gov.uk/local-democracy/have-your-say-haringey/residents-survey
