Wakefield Council to discuss refugee settlement- 100 Syrians to arrive during next three years

Councillors will discuss how the district can best support Syrian refugees fleeing to the area to escape war in their home country.
17th November 2009.
 feature with councillors Olivia Rowley(red top) , Denise Jeffery and Maureen Cummings(glasses) about their early days on the campaign trail for Retro.17th November 2009.
 feature with councillors Olivia Rowley(red top) , Denise Jeffery and Maureen Cummings(glasses) about their early days on the campaign trail for Retro.
17th November 2009. feature with councillors Olivia Rowley(red top) , Denise Jeffery and Maureen Cummings(glasses) about their early days on the campaign trail for Retro.

Members of Wakefield Council’s Cabinet will be asked to agree a recommendation to resettle 100 refugees over the next three years.

Syrians would be able to stay for five years, with the right to work. They could then apply to settle permanently.

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Coun Olivia Rowley, cabinet member for children and young people, said: “The council has a strong record in providing services and support to vulnerable people in our communities. I am proud of the district’s long term commitment to support families fleeing conflict and persecution.”

The council is also asked to approve a plan for local authorities in Yorkshire and Humber to work together on resettlement, with Migration Yorkshire.

As many as 12.2 million Syrians are in need of humanitarian assistance and 3.88 million have become refugees due to war and conflict. The government has agreed to take 20,000 refugees into the UK during the next five years and is working with local authorities to resettle vulnerable people.

The council would need to plan for new arrivals by identifying suitable housing providers. Police and health organisations would also be involved in planning for refugees and helping them to settle.

The cabinet meeting will take place on Tuesday.