COUNCIL leaders from across Worcestershire have agreed to submit a joint bid to take part in rehoming Syrian refugees if the Government fund the full five-year scheme.
However, the decision has been labelled ‘very disappointing’ by Sue Wolfendale, a member of Malvern Welcomes Syrian Refugees, as she believes the town is capable of dealing with victims from the war-torn country.
More than 100 volunteers have pledged support to the group in the Malvern area, including specialist Arabic speakers, experienced therapists and people offering accommodation for rent.
And Sue told The Observer even if the Government fail to pledge five-year funding, the steering group will continue fighting for the refugees.
“I am pleased to hear the leaders have decided to put in a bid but I am very disappointed to know they are saying they will only do it if the Government agree to a five-year funding,” she said. “That is disappointing given the urgency of the situation.
“As a group we feel five years of funding is not necessary as the authorities which have taken refugees – on the whole – are finding the current one-year funding fairly generous and I think after a year or two the majority of refugees will not be calling on local authorities for funding.
“There may be some exceptions but on the whole I think people will be settled in and probably employed.
“We hope we have built up a team with substantial support to the services that would have to be provided through the county and district councils.”
Council bosses agreed to submit a joint bid to take part in the Syrian Vulnerable Persons Relocation Scheme (SVPR) following a meeting of the Worcestershire Leaders’ Board on Monday (September 21).
Coun Simon Geraghty, leader of Worcester City Council who chaired the meeting, added: “Providing a safe haven for some of the most vulnerable people caught up in the Syrian conflict will require a carefully co-ordinated package of support provided by a number of different organisations.
“That is why we need the right resources from the Government over the next five years in order to successfully help them to integrate fully into the community.
“Discussions are taking place between various organisations to determine what resources are available locally while we wait for confirmation regarding the funding.”
