Non-English speakers in Wolverhampton to be targeted through integration project

English lessons will be provided for speakers of other languages through the scheme which will be delivered by the city council.

Wolverhampton has been chosen as one of the areas to take part in the scheme being rolled out by the Government, and has been awarded £293,560 to help drive integration.

Council bosses said the cash would support the delivery of "community-based English language classes for new learners and clubs and activities to support English language practice and social integration", between September and next March.

They added the project will "enable city residents to develop new skills, particularly English language skills within their own neighbourhoods, connecting them to places, spaces and people in their local area by helping them with tasks such as shopping in the high street, using public transport or visiting the doctor".

English lessons will be provided to 150 people in the city.

Another 417 have been identified as "requiring learning and social mixing support through this initiative", the council said.

Bosses said work in this area would be "delivered by community partners in the city to ensure maximum reach".

A total of £5.1 million has been given to 30 councils across England to drive integration.

Boris Johnson's Government has taken a tougher line on integration and immigration and there have been complaints in some parts of the country about members of certain communities failing to take steps to integrate with the wider area in which they live.

Councillor Michael Hardacre, cabinet member for education and skills at Wolverhampton Council, said: “The city has a commitment to ensuring Wulfrunians live longer, healthier and more fulfilling lives and we are committed to tackling inequalities.

“This funding is great news for the work we are doing in Wolverhampton with new communities.

“We are a city of diverse cultures and we wish to celebrate those cultures, bring them together and harness their creativity and productivity for the wider benefit of Wolverhampton.

“This will enrich our wider community and help to establish a cohesive, supportive and friendly community where everyone can thrive.”

Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick said: “We are committed to levelling up and uniting our country.

"And a successful, well integrated society requires everyone to be able to speak English. This funding will provide language classes to thousands of people, so they become fully integrated and active members of society, making a positive contribution to the UK.”