Spotlight on asylum seekers at Teignbridge meeting

Asylum seekers moving into communities in South Devon will be in the spotlight at a council meeting in Newton Abbot next week (October 23).

Members of Teignbridge Council will be asked to vote on two separate motions focusing on the effect of migrants moving into the area.
The first, proposed by the authority’s only Reform councillor, highlights the issue of people entering the country illegally and says: “Teignbridge cannot turn a blind eye to growing national concern.”
It calls for local people’s welfare and housing needs to be prioritised.
The second, proposed by the Liberal Democrat deputy leader of the council, seeks to celebrate the contribution made by residents from overseas.
Both motions are on the agenda for a meeting of the full council at Forde House.
In his statement Reform councillor Stephen Horner (Teignmouth West) says: “Immigration policy may sit with central government, but the impact lands here, on our communities, our services, and our residents.”
He says recent cases across the country have raised serious questions about pressures on housing and essential services as well as safeguarding and community safety. He says there has been an ‘erosion of public trust’ due to secrecy and lack of consultation.
There have, he says, been criminal offences linked to placements made without local oversight.
He goes on: “Our council has a statutory duty to protect residents, uphold public safety, and ensure decisions affecting local resources are made openly and democratically.
“This motion calls for a clear stance – no secret deals, no silent placements, no compromise on safety – full transparency, full consultation, and full accountability.”
Cllr Horner says all communications on migrant placements should be made public and residents’ welfare and housing needs should be put first. The council should refuse any placement where immigration status is unverified or safeguarding checks are incomplete.
The motion has been seconded by Cllr Alex Hall (Con, Buckland and Milber).
Meanwhile, deputy council leader David Palethorpe (Lib Dem, Ipplepen) says Teignbridge should be celebrating the contribution of overseas-born and asylum-seeking residents.
His motion says: “Teignbridge has a proud tradition of welcoming refugees into our community including most recently from Afghanistan, Syria and Ukraine, and these people have become our friends, our neighbours and our work colleagues
“Teignbridge and the wider South Devon region are enriched by the skills, compassion, and dedication of residents born outside the United Kingdom.”
He says overseas-born residents contribute to the tourism and hospitality industry, health, social care and education.
He adds: “Teignbridge’s strength lies in its diversity — in the compassion, creativity, and hard work of all who make this district their home. (We believe that) every resident, regardless of birthplace or background, deserves dignity, respect, and opportunity.
“The positive contribution of overseas-born residents should be recognised, celebrated, and woven into the story of Teignbridge’s success.”