A DECISION on whether Malvern will proceed with a formal bid to join the Syrian refugees resettlement scheme will take place next week.
Malvern Hills District Council (MHDC) will consider whether or not to liaise with the Home Office in an attempt to house families from the war-torn country at a meeting on Tuesday (July 14)
In December last year the district council unanimously agreed to play a part in national and international efforts to accept and resettle a small number of Syrian refugees, with partner organisations and community groups as part of the South Worcestershire Plan.
However, Worcestershire County Council’s cabinet decided it would not join the scheme due to the financial risk it posed, as government funding was limited to one year.
A decision was taken to monitor the situation and review it if the funding changed.
Coun Melanie Baker, portfolio holder for planning and housing at MHDC, said the council were keen to play a role in supporting refugee families.
But she insisted they could not do it without the backing of the authority’s partners, including Worcestershire County Council.
“Clearly the matter is to be debated by council but it is disappointing a formal resettlement bid does not look like a viable option for Malvern Hills Council on its own, even with the strong support of volunteers and charitable groups,” she said.
“We alone cannot provide the full range of support – such as education, mental health care, social care – which those seeking sanctuary here require.
“As our partners are unable to provide this support, it will be regrettable if we are no longer able to continue along this path.
“We remain sympathetic to the plight of refugees in Syria and are willing to consider other opportunities to support them where we can.”
