SOLIHULL Council has agreed to join the Government’s Syrian Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme (SVPRS).
Following approval at Solihull’s Cabinet decision making session last night (Thursday, December 10), the Council will now work with the West Midlands Strategic Migration Partnership to organise hosting five families.
It is anticipated Solihull could receive the first family early in 2016.
Coun Karen Grinsell, Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities & Partnerships, said:
“I was pleased that everyone at Cabinet welcomed this proposal, both my Cabinet colleagues and our opposition group leaders.
“It was clear we all want Solihull to play its part in providing a safe place for five families rebuild their lives and to begin thinking about a better future for themselves and their homeland.”
The refugees coming to Solihull will have been screened by the Government and United Nations (through the UN High Commissioner for Refugees).
Funding for this work will be coming through the Government’s SVPRS scheme.
Coun Grinsell added: “We will find the families accommodation, give them the support they need to settle and find their feet and help them to become independent as soon as possible.
“I know our partners in the voluntary and faith sectors are also keen to offer support and are currently involved in supporting other refugees in the borough.
“The borough has an exemplary record in dealing with unaccompanied asylum seeking children and I am sure this expertise and care can help the Syrian families settle and begin a future away from conflict.
“I am sure the wider Solihull community will welcome these refugees and will help them settle as quickly as possible.”
