The following motion of Weston-super-Mare Town Council was passed on the 24th March 2025:
That Weston Town Council supports City of Sanctuary U.K. in its vision that the U.K. be a welcoming place of safety for all and is proud to offer sanctuary to people fleeing violence and persecution.
This council is committed to support the initiative to make Weston-super-Mare a recognised Council of Sanctuary.
We already welcome those fleeing violence and persecution in their own country. We recognise their potential contribution to our town. We need a comprehensive, coordinated and forward-looking approach if both the welfare of people moving into our town and community cohesion between new and existing communities are to be supported effectively.
This means that WTC is now beginning the engagement process. You can find out more about the process here: Process to becoming a Council of Sanctuary
As stated in the motion, the Town Council believes that both new and existing communities need to be involved in this process. Therefore, in addition to consultation with local organisations supporting refugees, we are also seeking views from all Weston residents through this questionnaire and through our first two public meetings in July.
To gather views we are using the SWOT Framework, which focusses on strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats and our focus is on areas that are under Town Council Control. These are listed on our website.
We are providing residents of Weston-super-Mare the opportunity to feedback on this motion, focusing on the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT Framework). This survey will run alongside an in person public community engagement programme, the details of which will be shared on our website and via social media.