URL: https://democracy.cheltenham.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=3440

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member Housing and Customer Services

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: The aim of this service is to:   ·         Assist asylum seekers with their claims for asylum to ensure they are treated fairly; ·         Ensure that asylum seekers can navigate relevant health and wellbeing services; ·         Improve English language skills, where needed, so that asylum seekers are better able to integrate into the communities within which they have been placed; ·         Support asylum seekers to feel a part of their communities through the provision of community development activities. This is a partnership arrangement between Cheltenham Borough Council (CBC) and Gloucester City Council (GCC), with GCC having led on the procurement of this new service. Funding for this service comes directly from grant funding received from the Home Office, which is ringfenced solely for asylum seekers. CBC has committed to fund up to £75,000/year (including VAT) for the provision of this service (indexed linked by 2%/year from April 2027). Cheltenham Borough Councils funding contribution to the initial contract term is set out below, including VAT: Year One December 2025 - March 2026 £25,000.00 (estimated based on an assumed 1st December start date) Year Two April 2026 – March 2027 (including 2% uplift) £75,000.00 Year Three April 2027-March 2028 (including 2% uplift) £76,500.00 CBC will work in close partnership with GCC to monitor the performance of this contract.

Date of Decision: November 10, 2025