Following the council’s vote not to withdraw from the Local Authority of Sanctuary award last night, we wanted to share a few thoughts with you. 

We are delighted that Bradford Council will remain a Local Authority of Sanctuary, and we believe that this outcome reflects the value of what we do. The Local Authority of Sanctuary award is about making sure people who are already part of our communities can rebuild their lives, contribute their skills and participate fully in community life. It helps councils join up existing services, strengthen partnerships and improve coordination, making services work more effectively for everyone who needs them. That benefits the whole city.

We are grateful for the support we have received from countless individuals and organisations across Bradford in the last few weeks. It is clear that there is a huge amount of support for sanctuary in Bradford, and we are excited to see where the next few years will take us. Bradford has been a city of sanctuary for a long time, and it will continue to be a place of welcome for many years to come. 

We are proud of the work we do, because our work makes a real impact. When people are supported to access public services, integrate into their communities, and contribute to society, our communities become stronger. We’re committed to making Bradford a city where everyone can thrive.