One criteria necessary to becoming a Council of Sanctuary is for a local authority to pass a motion setting out a commitment to be a place of sanctuary.
Motions are important as they show political recognition that people seeking sanctuary are not only entitled to claim asylum under the law, but that they also deserve our welcome and support.
Many Councils have already passed such motions of support. You can find examples below.
Working with your council to get a pledge of support
Sheffield City Council led the way by being the first Council to make a pledge of support to be a City of Sanctuary.
The pledge of support that a local authority makes will depend on context. It can be as simple as a short statement committing the council to the idea of welcoming and supporting people seeking sanctuary, or it could take the form of a more detailed pledge outlining the practical actions they intend to take.
Some councils have also passed motions of support for campaigns, such as #LiftTheBan.
See the links below to find some of the Council motions that have been passed by other cities.
Motions of support:
In 2007, Sheffield became the first City of Sanctuary with a motion of support from Sheffield City Council. In 2017, the Council passed another support motion to mark 10 years.
In 2008, Swansea City Council voted unanimously to pass a motion pledging support for plans to make Swansea a ‘City of Sanctuary’
In 2012, Ipswich Borough Council passed a resolution of support towards Ipswich becoming a “Town of Sanctuary”.
In 2013, Bristol City Council passed a city of sanctuary motion condemning the UK Border Agency’s policy of forcing people seeking asylum into destitution.
Birmingham City Council passed a resolution of support for City of Sanctuary in 2015.
In 2015, Newcastle City Council have signed a motion in favour of becoming a City of Sanctuary
In 2016, Wolverhampton Civic Centre to pledge their support to make Wolverhampton a City of Sanctuary.
In 2016, Reading Borough Council has unanimously agreed to support refugee families into the town.
In 2017, Hastings Council unanimously-voted to work to implement the City of Sanctuary pledges through its actions and policies.
In 2017, Southampton City of Sanctuary presented to the full Southampton City Council chamber asking them to recognise and endorse that Southampton is a City of Sanctuary
In 2020 Royal Borough of Greenwich passed a Sanctuary motion commuting the local authority to welcoming people of sanctuary seeking background
On the 28th of June 2021, Shrewsbury Town Council voted unanimously to embed the City of Sanctuary vision and principles in council policies and practices.
On the 8th of July 2021Islington Borough Council passed a motion signalling the commitment of the council to embedding sanctuary principles in their work.
In July 2021 Shropshire Council agreed to work towards a ‘Council of Sanctuary’ Recognition gaining cross-party support from across the chamber.
City of York Council has passed a motion at full council on 21st of October 2021, committing to join the City of Sanctuary Local Authority Network and work towards a ‘Council of Sanctuary’ Award
In October 2021 CHESHIRE West and Chester councillors have unanimously backed plans to become a ‘Borough of Sanctuary’ and Join the City of Sanctuary Local Authority Network
West Northamptonshire Council
In December 2021, the concil votes through a Sanctuary Motion at a full council meeting which sets out the council’s commitment.
Winchester City Council
The council joins the Local Authority Network following a full council vote on the 12th Jan 2022 on a sanctuary motion which sets out the council’s commitment
Gloucester City Council
A motion is unanimous passed to explore joining the Network and become A City Council of Sanctuary.
Salford City Council
On the 19th of January, the council joins the Local Authority Network and passed a full council motion to begin the process of being recognised as a Council of Sanctuary.
Reading Borough Council
In March 2022 the council passed a motion to begin the application process for ‘Council of Sanctuary status.
Babergh District Council
In April 2022, the council passed a motion to sign up as a Council of Sanctuary.
Peterborough City Council
In June 2022, the council passed a motion to join the Local Authorities of Sanctuary Network.
Wandsworth Borough Council
In July 2022, Wandsworth Council confirmed it is committed to becoming a Borough of Sanctuary.
Craven District Council
In June 2022, announced that it would be preparing a bid to be recognised as a district of sanctuary.
Southend-on-Sea City Council
In November 2022, the council pledges to do more to support refugees fleeing conflict
London Borough of Waltham Forest
In December 2022, the council began begun the journey to become a Borough of Sanctuary.
London Borough of Kingston upon Thames
In their December 2022 full council, Kingston councillors passed a motion to become a Council of Sanctuary
London Borough of Richmond upon Thames
In December 2022, Richmond Council confirmed its commitment to becoming a Borough of Sanctuary for people fleeing war and persecution
Camden Council
In Jan 2023, Camden councillors passed a unanimous cross-party motion and began their journey to embedding welcome across council services and the wider community
Hounslow London Borough Council
In January 2023, Hounslow Council committed to working with City of Sanctuary Local Authority network to ensure the borough is a welcoming place for people seeking sanctuary
Barnet Council
In February 2023, the council resolved to develop a formal approach to engaging with, listening to and supporting those seeking sanctuary, including the development of a three-year strategy.
Newham Council
In February 2023, Newham Council agreed to join the network of cities and towns which promote the inclusion and welfare of people who are fleeing violence and persecution and become a recognised Borough of Sanctuary.
Monmouthshire Council
In Nov 2022, Monmouthshire cabinet agreed to begin the process of formally applying to become a county council of sanctuary.
Ealing Council
In June 2023, Ealing Council formally joined the Local Authority of Sanctuary network.
Westminster Council
In June 2023, City of Westminster Council joined the Local Authority of Sanctuary network.
Wokingham Borough Council
On the 20th July 2023 Wokingham Borough Council Resolved to begin work on being recognised as a Borough Of Sanctuary.
Vale of Glamorgan
On the 24th April 2023 Vale of Glamorgan voted to Join the City of Sanctuary Local Authority Network and begin the journey to recognition as a County Council of Sanctuary.
Newport City Council
On the 23rd of April 2023 Newport City Council vote to give full support to all partners and stakeholders in Newport currently working towards the City of Sanctuary vision
Sheffield City Council
On the 5th July 2023 Sheffield City Council affirmed its commitment to be recognised as a City Council of Sanctuary.
Manchester City Council
On the 12th July Manchester City Council votes unanimously to become a Local Authority of Sanctuary.
Powys County Council
On the 11th July 2023 Powys County Council Cabinet has given unanimous support to becoming a County council of Sanctuary.
Hackney Council
On 24th July 2023 Hackney Council passed a motion to join the Local Authority network.
Calderdale Council
On the 26th of July 2023, Calderdale passed a Local Authority of Sanctuary and Migration pledge.
Norwich City Council
On the 13th July 2023, Norwich City Council’s Cabinet approved a series of recommendations in support of people seeking sanctuary in the city, including exploring the Council of Sanctuary Award.
In July 2023, Liverpool City Council re-affirmed its commitment to working with and supporting people seeking sanctuary in their area.
North Herts resolved to developing the Council’s formal approach to how we engage with, listen to and support those seeking sanctuary, including the development of a Refugee strategy
Oxfordshire County Council In November 2023, Oxfordshire County Council passed a Local Authority of Sanctuary pledge.
Epsom & Ewell Borough Council
On Tuesday 12th December 2023 the Council approved a motion to establish Epsom & Ewell Borough Council as a Borough of Sanctuary.
Worcester City Council
On the 26th of September Worcester City Council passed a ‘Council of Sanctuary’ motion, marking the first step to recognition.
On the 19th March, 2024 Portsmouth City Council passed a full council motion in support of people seeking sanctuary and to begin the work toward recognition as a Council of Sanctuary.
In May 2024, Tower Hamlets resolved to cement its commitment to be recognised as a borough of Sanctuary.
In July 2024 West Oxfordshire District Council committed to joining the City of Sanctuary Local Authority Network and to work towards recognition as a Council of Sanctuary.
In January 2024 Trafford Council signed the City of Sanctuary membership pledge to become a non-awarded member of the City of Sanctuary Local Authority Network, agreeing to work towards a City of Sanctuary Local Authority Award with the aim of becoming a recognised Council of Sanctuary
In September 2024 Cumberland Council passed a cross-party motion to join the Network of Councils around the UK working toward becoming recognised as Councils of Sanctuary.
On the 15th October Worthing Council passed a motion which agreed to work to make the community a welcoming place for people seeking sanctuary.
In July 2024 Brent Council voted to Join the network of cities and towns which promote the inclusion and welfare of people who are fleeing violence and persecution and become a recognised Borough of Sanctuary.
In April 2024 North Devon Council’s Strategy and Resources committee reviewed and agreed that the council will join the LAs network and commence work on criteria required for recognition
In Sept 2024 Hosforth Town Council began the process of becoming a Town Council of Sanctuary and has set up a steering which includes the local City of Sanctuary group