Council to vote on sanctuary scheme

Bidtooffermoresupporttoarea’sasylumseekers

JOHNATHON MENZIES

Councillors will be asked to make Perth and Kinross an “area of sanctuary” as part of a drive to support those seeking asylum later this week.

The UK City of Sanctuary Scheme will be discussed at a full Perth and Kinross Council meeting tomorrow (Wednesday).

The region has provided a sanctuary for several groups of people from around the world in recent years – including families fleeing conflicts in the likes of Syria, Afghanistan and Ukraine.

In addition, PKC is currently supporting 40 young people between the ages of 15 and 26 who have arrived in the area on their own from 11 different countries.

Official City of Sanctuary status is said to create opportunities in terms of supporting people seeking sanctuary, including by involving community groups.

Should participation in the scheme be agreed, PKC would make a commitment to support approximately 20 people each year, comprising of four to six families.

This would allow the local authority to access UK and Scottish Government funding to support groups and other services.

Suitable homes for these families would be sourced from the private-rented sector in line with current arrangements in the local area.

A Perth and Kinross Council spokesperson said: “This has been successful for both the families and landlords involved and avoids placing any additional pressure on the waiting list for council housing.”

There are currently five other Scottish members of the City of Sanctuary initiative – Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, East Lothian and Forth Valley.

All costs for supporting those seeking sanctuary are borne by the UK Government.

Council leader Grant Laing said: “Most of us will never have to contemplate the horrors that force people to flee their homes, never mind experiencing them.

“I am proud of our track record in Perth and Kinross of welcoming and supporting those seeking sanctuary in our area.

“Time and time again we have extended the hand of friendship when it is required.”

The SNP Strathtay elected member went on to stress: “Becoming a UK City of Sanctuary makes that humanitarian commitment clear.”

Mostofuswillneverhavetocontemplatethehorrorsthatforcepeopletofleetheirhomes