Home Office
Councils are currently discussing immigration enforcement policies and partnerships with the Home Office on community safety.
Southwark Council decided in September 2026 not to share discretionary information with the Home Office for immigration enforcement, reaffirming its Borough of Sanctuary status. This move aims to safeguard trust between residents and public services. Separately, Enfield Councillor Mohammad Islam faced further sanctions in November 2025 for failing to comply with directives after a complaint regarding his use of the Mayor's office to support visa applications.
Local councils are also partnering with the Home Office, the UK government department responsible for law and order, on community safety initiatives. Barnet Trading Standards, working with the Home Office, seized over £500,000 worth of illegal goods in 2025-2026, as reported in June 2026. Barnet's modern slavery strategy, updated in March 2026, also focuses on prevention and protection.
Bexley Council adopted a new community safety strategy in July 2026, aiming to bolster crime prevention and early intervention efforts. Hammersmith and Fulham Council is also preparing for the implementation of Martyn's Law, which received Royal Assent in April 2025, to enhance security at public venues.
Key facts
- Southwark Council adopted a motion in September 2026 not to share discretionary information with the Home Office for immigration enforcement purposes. Source
- Bexley Council adopted a new community safety strategy in July 2026, focusing on prevention and intervention. Source
- Barnet Trading Standards, in partnership with the Home Office, seized over £500,000 worth of illegal goods in 2025-2026. Source
- Barnet's modern slavery strategy, updated in March 2026, focuses on prevention, protection, and prosecution. Source
- Enfield Councillor Mohammad Islam faced further sanctions in November 2025 regarding visa application support. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on, with background from Wikipedia. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.