Kingston Council has received more than £150,000 to help deal with pressures linked with recent migration.

The Ministry for Housing, Communities, and Local Government revealed on Saturday than an increased sum of £100 million for the 'Controlling Migration Fund' would be distributed to selected local authorities across the UK.

The project, which has been allocated £164,443 in Kingston, is designed to "improve cohesion and integration", according to a report.

"Focusing on working with residents and vulnerable migrants through business and community partnerships and delivering outcomes around improving health, language skills, employment opportunities and reducing pressure on services," the report continued.

Responding to a request from the Comet, a spokesperson from Kingston Council said the funding would be used to provide "activities that improve health and employment outcomes as well as reducing pressure on local services" in the borough.

"This includes English classes in partnership with the New England Seafood Company and Learn English at Home.

"As well as an employment project to support refugees with volunteering and employment opportunities which will be delivered by Refugee Action Kingston."

Councillor Kim Bailey, Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care, added: "We are pleased to have received this funding from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government which will help reduce health inequalities in Kingston's refugee and migrant communities.

"It will enable us to provide support for the most vulnerable residents as well as provide opportunities for integration with others."

Communities Minister Lord Bourne revealed that Kingston had been awarded the funding following the success of projects designed to benefit migrants and refugees in the borough that had previously received central government funding back in 2017.

"In 2017, Kingston was successful in receiving £338,000 of Government funds to support vulnerable refugees and migrants to learn English and engage in integration activities.

"Since then over 350 people have benefitted from the projects," Lord Bourne pointed out.

Surrey County Council was also awarded a separate grant as part of the project, totalling £188,100.