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Technical Notes 2026, Issue 73 - UK Government Immigration Proposals Impacts on East Dunbartonshire – Response from Scottish Government

  • Report by:

    Ann Davie, Chief Executive

  • TN Number:

    073-26

  • Subject:

    UK Government Immigration Proposals Impacts on East Dunbartonshire – Response from Scottish Government

  • Responsible Officer:

    Ann Davie, Chief Executive

  • Publication:

    This Technical Note will be published on the Council’s website following circulation to Members. Its contents may be disclosed or shared outwith the Council.

At its meeting on 2nd April, East Dunbartonshire Council approved the following Motion:

“UK Government Immigration Proposals Impacts on East Dunbartonshire

Council expresses its concern about the proposals contained within the UK Government’s Restoring Control Over the Immigration System white paper, their impact on communities across East Dunbartonshire and on local economic growth, Council notes the UK Government introduced a ban on hiring social care workers from abroad in July 2025 which Scottish Care says will have a “profoundly negative impact” on the care Sector in Scotland.  Council agrees that the ban has exacerbated the labour market challenges faced by East Dunbartonshire HSCP, our partner care providers and the wider sector.

Council expresses its opposition and serious concerns that the proposals in the UK Government’s white paper will:

  • Extend the qualifying period for skilled workers to obtain indefinite leave to remain to 10 years
  • Introduce an Earned Route to settlement for all persons seeking settlement including a minimum financial requirement applicable to each applicant including children
  • Potentially reduce the ability to claim social security payments or have recourse to public funds for those granted Indefinite Leave to Remain and may penalise those who access social security or housing assistance during the qualifying period.

Council condemns in the strongest possible terms the UK Government’s proposal to apply these changes retrospectively to individuals and families already on a visa route to settlement and that these proposals will also apply to British Nationals Overseas and spouses of UK citizens.

Council resolves:

  • That a letter from the Chief Executive countersigned by all political group leaders should be sent to the Prime Minister, First Minister, Home Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Home Affairs outlining Council’s opposition and concerns about the proposed changes to ILR and the retrospective application of said proposals. The terms of the letter should also propose the ending of the current ban on issuing of visas for social care workers
  • That the Chief Executive writes to all MPs and MSPs elected to serve residents across East Dunbartonshire including the terms of this motion."

A copy of the response from Kaukab Stewart, former Scottish Government Minister for Equalities, is attached for Members’ information.

Documents