Asylum seekers, refugees and migrants

For information regarding the Ukrainian Crisis, see our Support for Ukrainian Crisis page and associated media release.

We are working with our local partners to support individuals and families that could resettle in Cheshire East under one of the UK Government’s programmes.

Warrington, Cheshire West, Chester and Cheshire East have worked together to consider how best to welcome Syrian families and unaccompanied children. Whilst each local authority is working on its programme independently, we are all sharing our learning to ensure that the correct support is given for those people looking to resettle within one of the local authority areas.

Asylum seeker dispersal programme

This programme is for those who arrive in the UK where their status is to be determined following the submission of an application for asylum. The Home Office have a contract with a service delivery partner to accommodate and support asylum seekers.

In the North West the delivery partner is Serco. Serco source and equip dispersal accommodation, including maintenance and payment of utility bills, and provide support to individuals to settle within the community whilst their application is assessed.

Unaccompanied children programme

All Councils have been asked to consider whether they are prepared to accept unaccompanied children on a voluntary dispersal basis by UK Government from Kent County Council.

More information

Many of our residents and partners, including local faith communities and voluntary services, have been in touch with us to share their support for those seeking asylum and fleeing their home country.

There is a real spirit of partnership in wanting to offer our collective Boroughs support and we very much welcome the offers of assistance.

These pages are constantly being updated as we understand more about each programme. Please check back regularly for more updates.

Page last reviewed: 29 April 2025