WIREDGOV

Cllr David Simmonds, Chairman of the Local Government Association's Asylum, Migration and Refugee Task Group, responds to the Home Secretary's statement on resettling Syrian refugees in the UK.

"We are calling on the Government to recognise the long-term nature of resettling Syrian refugees in communities by providing a firm commitment that funding to councils will reflect this. This is important to ensure vulnerable children, families and adults have access to the public services they will need and will not be seen as a burden by the communities who will be welcoming them.

"Councils have an excellent track record in supporting refugee children and their families with effective systems in place which allow us to take in thousands across the country each year.

"The urgent focus for councils now will be how to best manage the impending arrival of people so they settle in areas where they can be found somewhere suitable to live, have access to jobs and healthcare and where their children can find a school place.

"The LGA will continue to work closely with government to co-ordinate offers of help from councils with capacity in order to draw up a coherent and sustainable plan for resettling refugees so they enjoy a smooth transition to life in the UK.

"Members of the public should speak to their local authority if they have a property they are willing to offer or if they would like to become a foster carer for a vulnerable child."