Minutes:
The Leader presented an update in relation to Syrian Vulnerable Persons Relocation Scheme:
‘Following our resolution at the Council meeting on the 24th September to participate in the Syrian Vulnerable Persons Relocation Scheme officers and members have been active in planning to participate in the scheme. This has been a very positive period with internal and external partners working to ensure that we are as prepared as we can be as an organisation and a wider public service to ensure a successful transition for those individuals relocated. A part of that has been assessing the range of issues facing the authority in fully participating – in particular the ongoing lack of clarity regarding future funding of the scheme. With regards to this I am working with senior officers to determine the most appropriate response, we have two options:
1) Is start planning to take in families from Jan 2016 onwards and not wait for Home Office to confirm funding figures for yr 2-5
2) Is to wait for funding confirmation for year 2 – 5 before we take next steps. Waiting for confirmation does not stop us from discussing / planning the logistics in preparation for arrivals
Across Gwent there are a range of positions; Blaenau Gwent have yet to consider participation; Caerphilly are expecting their first arrivals prior to Christmas pending allocation of families, Torfaen are expecting their first families in December and Newport is awaiting confirmation of the future funding arrangements. A particular challenge for us is the availability of appropriate housing; we are currently working with the private rental sector and continue to have discussions with the Home Officer In terms of the profile of arrivals. To progress our arrangements. We will be having an internal meeting to identify school places, housing availability etc. to determine the number of households we can commit to on the 30th November 2015.
We have had numerous offers of help and support and we would look to organise this in a more structured and cohesive manner. I have identified areas where we can save on costs
1) Caldicot Food bank has offered to provide a ‘Welcome’ food pack for every household upon their arrival
2) iNeed community group in Monmouth has said that they would be happy to start collecting furniture etc in anticipation of the new arrivals, if MCC is able to provide storage space (a warehouse) perhaps, they are happy to organise this.
I anticipate that they may be some frustration around why this is taking so long but it’s important for elected members to note that this is by far a more complex scheme that Home Office wants us to deliver with a much more detailed statement of requirements.
One key aspect is that around the provision of the potentially acute healthcare needs that some of the family members can be expected to experience. We have met with the lead Public Health Consultant and have confidence in the arrangements that are in place.
I will report back to the next Council the progress that has been made.
Afghan Translators
Our involvement in the Afghan Translators scheme has progressed positively and currently we have 12 singles and 1 family relocated to Monmouthshire - a total of 15 individuals.
We are still committed to relocating a further 9 singles, 5 couples and 9 families which will take us beyond the initial expected end date of the project (March 2016). We anticipate that in may take up till March 2017 to meet those commitments, and if there is capacity, we may be asked by Home Office to consider relocating more individuals e.g. shared accommodation becoming available as translators integrate into life in the UK and decide to move out of the area.
MCC has continued to remain in close contact with Home Office to ensure that the profile of the participants that we relocate matches our availability around housing, school spaces etc.
This scheme has been relatively straight forward to deliver as DPIA has been able to provide us with a comprehensive integration support package. They manage the GP registration, obtaining NI numbers, exploring leisure activities, induction to local area etc.
The first 6 arrivals are currently studying part time in Coleg Gwent (Advanced level English).
The new arrivals (6 singles plus family) are still going through their induction period as they have only arrived end Oct/early Nov.
We are currently in contact with Capt D Bell, Militia Captain, The Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers (Militia) to see if we can develop some initiatives for the translators to continue to engage with the military in an informal manner.’
Councillor J. Prosser highlighted that the issue had been discussed at the military engagement session and had expressed enthusiasm to engage.