South Hams District Council’s executive has backed the Government’s Syrian Vulnerable Persons Relocation Scheme and has recommended the council joins the voluntary scheme.

This decision could lead to the equivalent of six Syrian families or households coming to live in the South Hams.

Council leader Cllr John Tucker said: ’We have always said that we were willing to help settle refugees in our area and have all along been working with our partners. We wanted to ensure any offer we were able to make would be as robust and secure as possible without impacting adversely on the housing needs of local people. We now feel confident that any offer we may be able to make to the Home Office addresses all these concerns. We look forward to welcoming refugees in the South Hams.’

The Government would provide funding to cover the local costs of housing and the Home Office has indicated it will look to place refugees across the country.

In Devon, there have been ongoing conversations about how best to respond locally which have involved both the districts, the county, the NHS and the police.

The district council’s role would be around sourcing and offering accommodation and assisting with claims for housing benefit, however, given the people who are prioritised for the scheme it is imperative that access to education, social care and healthcare are considered alongside any offer of accommodation.

The executive also recognised the importance of public support and the voluntary sector who will have a role to play in the resettlement of refugees locally. The Government has now confirmed funding for the first five years so there will be no direct cost to the local authority.

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