West Lancashire has a largely agricultural economy and experience of seasonal migrants. Numbers have increased over recent years, and nationalities of migrant workers have changed, with new arrivals from Portugal and Eastern Europe. A longer season has created an increasing need for more permanent accommodation.
The Primary Care Trust (PCT) noticed migrant workers using accident and emergency services for primary health care. The District Council started to receive complaints about new, unplanned caravan sites. So, in 2003, the Council brought together a multi-agency group, including Lancashire and Merseyside police forces, the County Council and neighbouring Sefton Council.
Qualitative information was shared and meetings held with relevant employers and local councillors. A councillors’ panel was set up and the group developed a migrant worker action plan covering access to services, community cohesion, the rural economy and planning issues. By working together and pooling contacts, they found it easier to gather intelligence and build relationships with employers and workers.
Improving access to services
PCT staff now visit employers to encourage workers to register with GP surgeries that have agreed open access for migrant workers. Time is spent building trust and distributing bilingual registration forms. Health visitors have become an important source of information about the population.
Translation facilities have been developed in hospitals, surgeries and pharmacies – costs here have increased. The Council has introduced translation and interpreting facilities at its customer service points and contact centre, and on its website.
The group produced a welcome pack on council services in English, Polish and Portuguese, with separate booklets on health services and safety advice. One thousand packs were distributed in 2005 to employers, GP surgeries, churches and schools. A second print run is planned.
The information is also on the Council's website. The Council is mapping public and private services used by migrant workers to help future communications and targeting. These are not always as expected; for example, up to 300 migrant workers per month made enquiries at a youth one-stop shop.
Caravan sites and planning policy changes
A proliferation of unauthorised caravan sites first appeared at the beginning of 2002. To alleviate this and balance economic need with the protection of the Green Belt, supplementary planning guidance for temporary agricultural workers was prepared in 2003.
After extensive consultation, this was approved in 2005. The guidance recommends sites outside the Green Belt and existing buildings should be used in the first instance, with on-site provision being the last resort. A semi-permanent accommodation option is also included. Sites have to satisfy a number of requirements, such as minimal impact on visual amenity.
The Local Plan Inspector made comment on the new policy in June 2006. It was altered to also refer to temporary horticultural workers, clarify the provision of non-permanent accommodation and only allow new accommodation in the Green Belt to be on site for a maximum of five years. Policy DE8 is now part of the West Lancashire Replacement Local Plan adopted in July 2006.
A positive approach to change
The group developed a joint policy statement about strengthening the local economy while balancing community needs. This has been taken through the Local Strategic Partnership. This and the welcome packs formally welcome migrant worker contributions.
The member panel provides political support; senior member involvement means issues are highlighted on a countywide basis. A strong relationship with local media creates opportunities for positive stories. The group meets quarterly to assess progress and refresh the action plan.