Reform votes to axe ‘sanctuary’ status for Sandwell
Sandwell was granted the status with the aim of ensuring it was a “welcoming place of safety” for migrants, refugees and asylum seekers
Last updated 31st Jul 2026
Reform councillors in Sandwell have voted to scrap its ‘borough of sanctuary’ status.
Sandwell was granted the status in 2023 with the aim of ensuring the borough was a “welcoming place of safety” for migrants, refugees and asylum seekers.
Reform council leader Ray Nock said the borough did not need validation from “external labels” and pointed to Sandwell’s ‘unacceptable’ housing waiting list.
But opponents say the move would not free up money for other services or cut housing waiting times and accused Reform of “promoting division instead of cohesion” and “calculated nastiness.”
Cllr Nock said: “We inherited a housing waiting list that measured in the tens of thousands, with some poor souls waiting on the list in excess of ten or more years to get a property. This is obviously not acceptable.”
Labour opposition leader Cllr Paul Moore said: “Sandwell has always been a welcoming borough and diverse place… As the leader well knows, the ‘Borough of Sanctuary’ is inconsequential as to whether somebody is awarded a house and what he said was incorrect.
“We are not going to be drawn into your decisive politics and play your silly games.”
Criticising the decision, Green councillor John Tipper said: “I’ve seen some abject motions at this council, but this must be one of the most cynical bits of calculated nastiness and political sleights of hand that I’ve ever seen.
“Since the ‘Borough of Sanctuary’ doesn’t actually commit us to a great deal in terms of funding in fact it does very little other than present a public face that suggest we welcome people fleeing rape, violence, torture from all corners of the globe.”
Cllr Tipper, who represents Bearwood, said the borough’s housing crisis did not come from “people from Eritrea, Pakistan, Iraq or Hong Kong seeking sanctuary” but was caused “in the UK, in Grantham, as our council houses were sold off when Margaret Thatcher made greed a national religion.” He accused Reform of relying on “deflection techniques.”
“I’d like to point out to people fleeing for their lives, it doesn’t matter whether we are a ‘Borough of Sanctuary’ or not, because across Sandwell, there are people who are your friends and allies and who will support you regardless,” he added.
Shari Brown, chair of Birmingham City of Sanctuary, which recently saw off a similar move by Reform to remove the city’s accreditation, said: “Withdrawing from these schemes does not free up resources for local services, reduce pressure on housing, or change immigration policy.”
Reform councillor Matt Lloyd, who represents Tipton Green, said the council leader’s motion was a “complete breath of fresh air”
Cllr Lloyd said he, like many, were “fed up of being put into boxes.”
He said the council should “move beyond labels” and was committed to helping “every” resident.
The motion, which was agreed with the backing of the ruling Reform administration, said: “Council notes that Sandwell has long been a borough of diversity, resilience, and a strong sense of community across all six towns.
“Our history and identity are shaped by people from a wide range of backgrounds, cultures, and experiences, who’ve chosen to make Sandwell their home and have contributed to its success.
“Council affirms that Sandwell is, always has been and will remain a diverse, inclusive and welcoming borough. This commitment is embedded in our policies, our services, and the daily work of our staff, members and partners.
“Sandwell doesn’t need external titles or labels to be meaningful or effective.
“We’re about delivering and making a real difference to all our residents and communities.”