Extra support for Syrian refugees
COUNCILLORS will be updated on the work being done to support Syrian refugees resettled across Halton. The borough agreed to provide a home to 100 individuals fleeing civil war as part of commitment across the Liverpool City Region to welcome 510 people.
In February, Halton Borough Council chief executive David Parr confirmed six refugee families has been received in Runcorn and Widnes and were ‘settling well’ in the area.
A report to the executive board said those who arrive are being given 12 months ‘intensive’ support, which decreases over the next four years.
Refugee Action (RA) were commissioned last year by Liverpool City Council for four years to offer support, which Halton agreed to ‘buy’ into for 24 months.
The document said: “The model of support used by RA works well in a more diverse community, where a family is likely to seek assistance from other members of the community including the public, people from a place of worship, school staff, and local businesses.”
The report said that council officers feel the RA model ‘does not sit as well’ in a ‘less diverse urban community’ such as Halton.
It said: “Whilst it’s acknowledged that RA staff have a wealth of experience with this client group, officers feel an alternative approach may offer greater support to refugees located in Halton.”
The report proposed terminating the council’s contract with RA to end it by mid-October and plans to extend an existing agreement with Plus Dane and SHAP (PDS). ●
The new deal would provide support for Syrian refugees already within the borough and offer preparation time for new arrivals which the document said are expected later this year and early 2018.
The report said: “As the programme is Home Office funded, there is no direct financial implication for the local authority; however by going through this process it is considered a more cost effective service.
“By awarding the proposed new contract, it is felt that there will be more direct support for these vulnerable children and young people.
“The potential to engage with a local provider will encourage a more integrated level of local support.”
The board will be updated at a meeting at the Municipal Building in Widnes on Thursday, July 20.