More than 45,000 migrants have settled in Birmingham in three years, putting huge pressure on schools, the NHS and housing services across the cash-strapped city.

The impact of the influx of new arrivals is hitting communities in west Birmingham, including Nechells, Aston, Lozells, Newtown and Handsworth. Leafier communities are barely touched.

Birmingham City Council is now asking for £860,000 emergency Government funds to help it cope.

Part of the cash will be used to fund a dedicated immigration officer, at a cost of around £59,000 for a year, to support newcomers.

Schools, NHS services, housing and the benefits system are all facing additional pressures from migration, says a report to the city council's Cabinet, due to be discussed this week (December 11).

"There are many parts of Birmingham which are untouched by the issue of migration, compared to several wards and neighbourhoods which have become a particular focal point for new arrivals and communities," says the report.

Areas like Handsworth have seen more migrants settle than leafier areas of the city

"This is presenting several challenges to services and communities in those neighbourhoods, particularly in West Birmingham where the issue is particularly acute."

There is increasing pressure on schools due to demand for places and rising numbers of children with English as a second language; on the NHS due to additional GP registrations and demand on primary care; and on available private rented and social housing. There is also higher demand on benefits and local unskilled jobs, particularly in the initial stages of resettlement and integration.

Birmingham rally supporting Syrian refugees

In 2016 the total number of new refugees and migrants arriving in Birmingham was 15,409 - the equivalent of 1.4% of the total Birmingham population. During the same year 6,364 migrants, refugees and UK citizens left the city, giving a net migration of 9,045.

In the two years since, at least the same number have arrived into Birmingham.

That's enough people - more than 45,000 - to fill Villa Park , home of Aston Villa FC, to capacity.

Crowds at Villa Park

Particular difficulties arise for some communities because newcomers are not 'evenly distributed' across the city, instead settling in some areas and not others. This is "not helpful trying to create cohesive and integrated communities in the city".

The report adds: "What we are seeing are divides in the city between those areas which are accommodating new languages, cultures and people with those areas where there has been little to no change for several decades. This is reflected in city’s schools, neighbourhoods and high streets.

Villa Road, Lozells, Birmingham
Lozells, Birmingham where some migrants have settled

"Beyond the geographical issues within Birmingham are also the stories of missed opportunities and lost potential, where migrants and refugees arriving in the city for a better life, safety and security are ending up in crisis, destitution and long-term unemployment.

"The initial arrival and transition to living independently in Birmingham can be a risky and fragile one, and one where hope and aspiration can easily be replaced by crisis and destitution."

The cash bid for £862,542 has been made to the Ministry for Housing Communities and Local Government’s (MHCLG) Controlling Migration Fund. If successful, the project will be launched in February, delivered by project partners.

The city council is already facing an austerity-fuelled cash crisis and is consulting on £50m of cuts for next year.

'City of Sanctuary'

Birmingham rally supporting Syrian refugees

The city is an officially-recognised 'City of Sanctuary' illustrating its commitment to be a welcoming place of safety for all, offering sanctuary from violence and persecution.

Cabinet members will also be asked to approve an update to the City of Sanctuary plan which ensures EU migrants are aware the city will continue to welcome them during and after Brexit.

"An updated version is needed to reflect the changing status of the UK in Europe and EU citizens who have migrated to Birmingham."

The new document has been developed in consultation with representatives of organisations from statutory, voluntary and community sectors who are actively engaged in work concerning asylum seekers, refugees and migrants, through the Birmingham Migration Forum.