Agenda item

JW reiterated that he is still looking to work on the new communities pack, but can only do this if local community groups provide him with the relevant information. Also with the changes within the council(s) in Northamptonshire, JW will need to establish how this pack will look going forward.

MM to continue trying to add the Windrush Scandal to a future agenda. MM to contact Jenny Campbell to see exactly what the forum wants from this agenda item so the right people are invited.

PW suggested putting some info about the Windrush Scandal in the minutes.

National stories:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/topics/c9vwmzw7n7lt/windrush-scandal

Local stories:

https://www.northamptonchron.co.uk/news/northampton-windrush-migrant-left-homeless-for-seven-years-by-the-home-office-is-in-a-flat-following-chron-appeal-1-8531195

JC requested that the following information be known to forum members:

JC to MM

“Hello Michael

Please could you provide update on agenda item I requested at the last Diverse Communities meeting.  Windrush Scandal …… I spoke to members of the Caribbean community advising this would be an agenda item at the next Diverse Communities meeting, because members of the Caribbean communities are concerned and have questions.

I was under impression meeting was for members of the forum, agenda item number 3 is not something I remember members of the Diverse communities requesting.  Therefore can someone let me know who decided agenda item no 3.

Look forward to hearing from you”

MM reply to JC

“Hi Jenny,

It is clear that the forum members want a speaker in to talk about this topic instead of it being an item simply for members to discuss. I contacted the chairs asking who exactly I should contact, I received a response with the information a few weeks later whilst I was on annual leave, which obviously delayed things. I have tried to make contact with various people in immigration law to see if they would be happy to talk to the forum about their concerns and help answer their questions, however I didn’t receive any responses. A few days ago, Pauline suggested that I contact you to see if you have any contacts or Pastor Green. This was too short notice to arrange anything for this forum as it would have meant waiting even longer to send the agenda out as corresponding with people and coordinating often takes days, if not weeks, as you can see above with the chairs. So I planned to continue these arrangements for the next forum, hoping I would have more luck.

Item number 3 is not something that has been requested by the forum, you are correct, but as forum members are residents of Northampton, they may have an interest in the new contract and this is a good opportunity to ask any questions or talk about any concerns they have. All forums are going to be visited by Chris so this isn’t something specific to the Diverse Communities Forum.”

JC reply to AK and MM.

“Hi Anna

Thank you for your detailed response below…..based on the number of years I have been attending Diverse forum members I was unaware of this. 

I would like my request and your response to be known to forum members either before next meeting or at the meeting

Also, you may not be aware but at the height of the Windrush scandal I contacted all 7 MPs in Northamptonshire for an interview…..no one came forward. 

Therefore would it be best we contacted MPs outside of Northamptonshrie e.g. London who may be in a position to put the minds of Caribbean constituents at ease, or answer questions people may have.

Again, I would like forum members aware of my request”