THERE are major doubts as to whether Malvern will be the new home for a number of Syrian refugees in the next few years despite the town playing a leading role in securing their resettlement to the county.
Today (Wednesday) The Malvern Observer can exclusively reveal that Malvern has so far housed NO refugees from the war torn country since it was announced back in June that 50 people would be coming to Worcestershire as part of the Vulnerable Persons Relocation Scheme.
Council chiefs say the reason behind it is because current ‘affordable housing’ properties in Malvern are too expensive and therefore do not comply with the necessary Government criteria.
The problem is so serious, council chiefs have expressed their concerns in writing to the Government.
It now means the ‘Malvern Welcomes’ campaign group, which made national headlines as well as local during their campaigning, faces a situation where it is not currently ‘welcoming’ refugees to Malvern.
This has prompted the group to appeal to the Malvern public to raise suggestions for homes which could be used to accommodate the refugees.
Melanie Baker, from Worcestershire Leaders – a group managing the refugees’ arrival in the county, said: “The funding provided by Government allows for housing at the Local Housing Allowance rate.
“Unfortunately rental properties in Malvern are so expensive that it is not possible to find properties at these rates. We have written to the Minister to express our concerns.
“To date we have been unable to source suitable homes in Malvern – therefore none of the current families will be settled in Malvern.”
So far refugees have been resettled in Redditch, Worcester and Kidderminster where affordable housing is cheaper.
The Malvern Welcomes group campaigned hard for two years for Worcestershire including Malvern to take some vulnerable Syrian families.
Ruth Forecast from Malvern Welcomes said: “Our successful campaign has inspired people throughout the UK and we are regularly contacted by resettlement groups who are seeking our advice.
“So, it is ironic that,so far, no families have been resettled in Malvern. A number of times, we have identified properties but this has fallen though at the last minute.
“We are continuing to work hard to access property. As we are resettling families we are looking for 2/3 bedroom houses.
“The terms under which property is let under the Vulnerable Persons Relocation Scheme are very favourable to landlords. They are paid the going market rate, rent is guaranteed for five years and the property will be maintained. Families will receive on-going support.”
Landlords, or anyone who knows of a suitable property should contact Malvern Welcomes by email [email protected] or call Ruth on 01684 891810.
