The impact of migration on communities will be examined by a new forum which is meeting for the first time.
The impact of migration on communities will be examined by a new forum which is meeting for the first time.
Experts from local government, health, education and police will meet at the Migration Impacts Forum in London.
Experts from local government, health, education and police will meet at the Migration Impacts Forum in London.
They will discuss how local services such as the NHS, schools and housing are affected by immigrants.
They will discuss how local services such as the NHS, schools and housing are affected by immigrants.
The government will review curbs on the number of Romanians and Bulgarians allowed to enter Britain as early as September, it has also been revealed.
The government will review curbs on the number of Romanians and Bulgarians allowed to enter Britain as early as September, it has also been revealed.
"Open debate"
"Open debate"
The number of visas which can be given to arrivals from the two countries which joined the EU in January is currently limited.
The number of visas which can be given to arrivals from the two countries which joined the EU in January is currently limited.
The Migration Impacts Forum (MIF) will influence the government's decision about the new countries, which is expected to be made towards the end of this year.
The Migration Impacts Forum (MIF) will influence the government's decision about the new countries, which is expected to be made towards the end of this year.
It will also affect the working of a new points-based immigration system, which will award each immigrant points based on factors such as their earning power and demand for their skills.
It will also affect the working of a new points-based immigration system, which will award each immigrant points based on factors such as their earning power and demand for their skills.
Immigration minister Liam Byrne said: "Today we deliver our promise to systematically listen to other voices before we set immigration policy.
Immigration minister Liam Byrne said: "Today we deliver our promise to systematically listen to other voices before we set immigration policy.
It is important that we involve and understand the experience of people from the front line Liam ByrneImmigration minister
It is important that we involve and understand the experience of people from the front line Liam ByrneImmigration minister
"We are creating the machinery for a much more open debate about where we need migration and where we don't but based on evidence, not anecdote.
"We are creating the machinery for a much more open debate about where we need migration and where we don't but based on evidence, not anecdote.
"It is important that we involve and understand the experience of people from the front line - from local authorities, the health sector and businesses."
"It is important that we involve and understand the experience of people from the front line - from local authorities, the health sector and businesses."
Shadow immigration minister Damian Green said: "This is all very well but, unless the government adopts our policy of having an explicit annual limit on economic migration, this will be just another example of tough talk not matched by effective action."
Shadow immigration minister Damian Green said: "This is all very well but, unless the government adopts our policy of having an explicit annual limit on economic migration, this will be just another example of tough talk not matched by effective action."
"Step forward"
"Step forward"
Sir Andrew Green, chairman of Migrationwatch UK, said the forum showed the government recognised the effect of mass immigration on society.
Sir Andrew Green, chairman of Migrationwatch UK, said the forum showed the government recognised the effect of mass immigration on society.
He said: "This is a step forward but what is missing from this forum is anyone speaking for the 70% of the public who think that we already have too many immigrants in this country."
He said: "This is a step forward but what is missing from this forum is anyone speaking for the 70% of the public who think that we already have too many immigrants in this country."
National statistics show Westminster is the number one destination for migrant workers.
National statistics show Westminster is the number one destination for migrant workers.
Westminster Council's deputy leader Colin Barrow welcomed the forum but criticised the government's ability to measure migration and fund areas appropriately.
Westminster Council's deputy leader Colin Barrow welcomed the forum but criticised the government's ability to measure migration and fund areas appropriately.
He said: "Councils can manage cohesion and deliver improved services only if the government gets its part right by providing adequate population statistics."
He said: "Councils can manage cohesion and deliver improved services only if the government gets its part right by providing adequate population statistics."
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