MANY of you have contacted me in recent weeks regarding the Syrian refugee crisis. Like you, I have been deeply moved by the scenes I have witnessed on television and the pictures in the newspapers.
I was also touched, but not surprised, by the surge of generosity from the people of this district coming forward to offer to help.
I know many of you want me to put my hand up and say ‘we’ll take this many’. Unfortunately it is not as simple as that.
There is a lot of detail to go through with our partners in housing, social care, education etc to ensure if we do decide to participate in the Syrian Vulnerable Persons Relocation scheme, then we can provide the right support to them. Unfortunately we cannot do this alone.
There is also the question of money. It seems wrong to mention money when dealing with a humanitarian crisis.
But the fact is with a funding gap of £1.75million to fill over the next five years, and more cuts to our Government funding to come, I have no choice.
We need to know this scheme will be funded for the full five years not just for 12 months. We’re pressing the Government for that detail and I will be meeting with council leaders across Worcestershire to discuss our response in the next two weeks.
But let me be clear. If the funding is there and the support from all our partners, as part of a wider South Worcestershire plan, then Malvern Hills District Council is ready and willing to play its part.
The debate about Malvern needing to do more for young people is a fascinating one, as were the views expressed in last week’s Observer.
Unfortunately much of what young people are asking for is beyond our direct control and down to market forces.
We’ll continue to do all we can though with our partners.
We are already looking at improving the play area in the park and involving young people more in the council’s decision-making. Hopefully we will have announcements on those in the near future.
