WIREDGOV

Cllr David Simmonds, Chairman of the Local Government Association's Asylum, Migration and Refugee Task Group, responds to the Government's commitment to fund its Syrian refugee resettlement scheme for longer than one year.

"No community should be faced with the decision of having to close libraries or children's centres in order to meet the costs of supporting refugees. 

"That is why it is important the scheme is fully funded with new money which does not end up being snatched back from local taxpayers as part of the Spending Review.

"The LGA has been in constant negotiations with government to secure extra funding for councils to help resettle 20,000 Syrian refugees in the UK. The Government has now accepted our call for their scheme to be funded for longer than one year and we are pressing for a detailed commitment so that communities can welcome refugees knowing that they will not be left with an unfair burden.

"As well as accommodation and school places, the needs of those arriving in the UK may include help to find employment if they are able to work. Some of the most vulnerable will also need support from health and social care services to cope with injuries and disabilities from the conflict and to recover from the severe trauma they have experienced.

"Specialist council staff should now be involved with the Home Office and UNCHR from an early stage to assess the needs of refugees before they arrive in the UK. Matching offers of help with the needs of individuals as early as possible is vital in ensuring we avoid any trauma felt by individuals and families being prolonged after they arrive in the UK."

Notes

Richard Harrington MP, Minister for Syrian Refugees, has written to Local Authority Chief Executives and Leaders confirming that funding will be provided for longer than 12 months. A copy of the letter is available on request.