Asked by: Lord Reid of Cardowan (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:
To ask His Majesty's Government in what ways they are supporting the integration of immigrants into UK society, and what measures are in place to promote community cohesion and reduce discrimination.
Answered by Lord Khan of Burnley - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
All immigrants with valid status in the UK should be able to fully integrate into British life. Immigrants who come to the UK usually integrate on their own initiative; there is not a one size fits all approach to integration, but we provide specific help to certain cohorts. For example Ukrainians through the STEP programme which provides an intensive 12 week English language and employment support course to support better employment outcomes and economic independence. Other cohorts supported include Hong Kong British Nationals (Overseas) and Afghans arriving in the UK through relocation schemes.
Most refugees and those granted protection in the UK integrate successfully and become self-sufficient, providing for themselves and their families, and contributing to the economy, to support this we are working across Government and with local authorities to ensure they have access to the labour market, to mainstream benefits (where eligible) and services, and to mainstream English language provision to enable their integration.
Government policy places a key role in supporting thriving, cohesive and resilient communities. Work is now underway in my Department to develop a stronger approach to support our communities and to build resilience against the challenges they face.
Asked by: Lord Reid of Cardowan (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the closure of the Help to Buy scheme on the property market.
Answered by Baroness Swinburne
In line with the recommendation of the National Audit Office and Public Accounts Committee, the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities has committed to undertaking an evaluation of the Help to Buy scheme, with a target date for publication of Autumn 2024. This will seek to investigate, amongst other matters, the effect of the Help to Buy scheme on the housing market within its lifetime and, where possible, after its closure.