Refugees on the way

North Lanarkshire Council will receive further Syrian refugees over the coming years after an extension of the resettlement programme was backed by councillors.

Since 2015 the Syrian Refugee Resettlement Programme has assisted Syrian people who have fled to countries neighbouring Syria as a result of the ongoing conflict in their home country.

The UK Government initiated the Syrian Resettlement Programme during 2015 with the intention to resettle 20,000 Syrian refugees in the UK within a five-year period, up to 2020.

A total of 43 families have resettled in North Lanarkshire since 2015. The new programme will mean additional households coming to North Lanarkshire, with the UK Home Office providing full funding.

Councillors approved the proposals at a meeting of the Community Empowerment Committee on Monday, February 1.

The council’s Convener of Community Empowerment, Councillor Angela Campbell, said:“The Syrian Refugee Resettlement Programme has worked extremely well in North Lanarkshire since November 2015.

“Several factors have contributed to this success, including the welcome from North Lanarkshire’s communities and the voluntary sector, the flexible and helpful approach of all partner agencies and the attitude and dedication of the support teams drawn from the council and partnership services.

“On a number of occasions the way North Lanarkshire has approached resettlement has been used as an example of good practice throughout the UK and officers have contributed to a number of research projects that have further enhanced the reputation for quality that has been developed.

“I am delighted that the committee unanimously agreed to continue supporting some of the most vulnerable people in the world and look forward to welcoming them in due course.”