MERSEYSIDE immigrants will have to pay for extra services designed to help them fit into the local community.
Non-EU immigrants will also face higher charges for their visa allowing them to work or learn locally.
The city-region will get a share of £7.2m allocated to the North West over the next two years to boost translation services, help immigrants register with GPs and protect them from rogue landlords.
The move was announced today by Communities Secretary Hazel Blears who stressed that the cash will also minimise disruption for long-standing residents and ease the impact of large-scale immigration. "We must recognise that in some communities the influx has put strain on local services," she said. "If people come here for their own economic benefit, it is right and fair that they should make a contribution."
The money will come from increases, not yet set, to the current £150 visa application fee for foreign workers and students.
