Agenda item
To consider
a paper to inform members of preparations
Minutes:
a) At
the request of members of the Communities Scrutiny Committee, a report was
submitted to the Cabinet Member for Housing, outlining the Council's
arrangements to respond to the Syrian Refugee crisis. It was briefly noted that
Gwynedd was required to accept up to 40 people over a period of 4 and a half
years with the intention of accepting 10 in the first instance to learn from
the process.
It was highlighted that Gwynedd had received support
from the beginning and was by now a part of Wedd2. With high numbers of people
on waiting lists for social housing, the refugees would receive properties
within the private sector and would receive full humanitarian protection for 5
years with the right to employment and benefits. Confirmation had been received
from the Home Office that a financial package was available to extend support
and to facilitate integration in the community, and that this financial
commitment (from the Westminster Government) would last for a period of five
years.
In terms of timetable, it was reported that six
authorities were considering the possibility of agreeing on one date to receive
the refugees and were in the process of submitting an outline of the available
accommodation to the Home Office. In the
meantime, the Home Office would process the applications and would undertake
thorough assessments to respond to what was available.
A tribute was paid to the residents and
voluntary organisations of Gwynedd for their special campaigns to support
refugees and it was noted that there was an intention to hold discussions with
voluntary organisations in order to collaborate and to ensure the best use of
resources and expertise. There would also be a proposal to contact with four
other authorities from Wales who had already received refugees in order to
learn and understand some practical elements.
b) In
response to a question regarding the 'five year period' of support, it was
noted that integrating the refugees in society was the main objective and that
the individuals had the right to return or stay after the period. A financial
resource would be available for five years, but the hope was that the
individuals would have made a full contribution to society by then. It was noted
that it was likely that these would mostly be families.
c) In
response to a question regarding the type of resource which was offered by the
Government, it was noted that health and child education were being addressed
and that benefits were prioritised above this. It would be necessary to be
careful and watchful of the need to work within the financial package and the
priority at present was suitable accommodation. It was added that initial
discussions had been held with Health. It was noted that discussions with
colleges and communication provisions had occurred.
d) In
further response to a question regarding considering sharing the refugees
across Gwynedd rather then locating the refugees in the north of the County, it
was noted that the first 10 refugees would be likely to be located in the
north, but that other areas of the county would be considered. It was noted
that the experience was being evaluated with consideration being given to
identifying opportunities for education, employment and a Syrian community.
RESOLVED: To express thanks for the report,
noting that the Committee
• Agrees and accepts the
recommendation to welcome refugees to Gwynedd
• Supportive
of the thorough preparations being undertaken
• Highlight the need to
prepare the local community for accepting refugees to ensure integration into
local society
• Welcome the use of
private housing so that there would be no impact on social housing lists.
Supporting documents: