We’re taking more refugees than any other town in Kent

Two councils in Kent will NOT house any Syrian refugees, it has been revealed.

A recent report revealed how many refugees would be accommodated by borough councils across the county between 2015 and 2020, under the Syrian Vulnerable Persons Relocation Scheme (SVPRS).

But as it stands, Medway and Sevenoaks are not taking any, while Ashford is taking more than anywhere else in Kent.

Medway Council reaffirmed its stance and reissued a statement from council leader Alan Jarrett.

He said last year: “Medway is not able to house refugees until central government can guarantee long term funding for local authorities to cover the additional cost this will inevitably bring.

“We cannot let vital services for local people suffer, and therefore an assurance of long term funding is needed.”

The latest figures, from a report by Sevenoaks council, show the numbers set to be accommodated under the scheme, which is co-ordinated by Kent County Council.

Topping the list is Ashford Borough Council (ABC) – which has agreed to take 250 people – about 50 families – in the fiveyear period, while Canterbury, Shepway, Swale, Tonbridge and Malling and Tunbridge Wells have all pledged to take 10 families each.

Of the district councils, only Sevenoaks has yet to agree on how many refugees it is prepared to accommodate.

The national SVPRS scheme is based on the needs of individuals and prioritises those who cannot be supported in their homeland, including women and girls at risk, survivors of violence and torture, and refugees with medical needs.

Those accepted onto the scheme are able to bring their immediate family with them, and if accepted the local authority arrange housing, school places and any additional support.

ABC leader Cllr Gerry Clarkson has previously said that he and colleagues feel a moral responsibility to help desperate families and bring them to safety in the borough.

To date 43 people have been resettled in Kent, the equivalent of 10 families.

Under current arrangements the government will provide £8,520 per person, plus £4,500 in education costs for children aged five to 18, for a refugee’s first year in the UK, after which funding will drop annually and be stopped after five years.

What do you think? Write to Kentish Express, 34-36 North Street, Ashford, TN24 8JR or email kentishexpress@thekmgroup.co.uk

Picture: SWNS.COM Medway and Sevenoaks councils will not be housing any Syrian refugees