‘Red tape holding up our refugee efforts’
Councillor blasts council decision to meet after May election on issue
A frustrated councillor says red tape is holding up local efforts to welcome Ukrainian refugees to Stirling.
Bannockburn ward independent councillor Alasdair Macpherson has called for “urgency and action” to help those fleeing the war.
And he expressed disappointment that Stirling councillors may only formally discuss the local response some time after the May 5 council elections.
Councillor Macpherson said: “Concerns have been raised with me that lack of guidance from the Scottish Government is slowing up the response by local authorities, including Stirling Council, to help refugees fleeing the appalling war in Ukraine.
“I raised the matter with senior council officers, but the response I received - that a committee will meet ‘after’ the May elections to make necessary decisions - is simply not good enough.
“The too little, too late response by the Tory UK government to date has been nothing short of despicable, but at least these vulnerable people are now able to come to Scotland for support. Local authorities are trying to make decisions on accommodating these poor people, arranging schooling and other services, but time is of the essence.
“I’m calling on action now and, if Scottish Government inaction is causing the holdup, this needs to be resolved immediately and without further delay. We cannot let red tape stop us offering help and support to fellow human beings in such desperate need.”
Council officials had told Councillor Macpherson a working group had been established to support all of the programmes set out by both Scottish and UK Governments, but that they were not in a position to provide a “detailed brief ”.
They offered assurances, however, that the Stirling response was being prioritised and “vigorously worked through” and that a communication/ briefing paper would be provided “at the earliest opportunity” to councillors and, where appropriate, a detailed paper tabled at the first available committee after the elections.
Council leader Councillor Scott Farmer (SNP) told the Observer: “While I share Councillor Macpherson’s frustrations, Stirling Council has been working apace through COSLA and Scottish Government and has signed off guidance regarding the Ukrainian refugee crisis.
“Scottish Government has consistently raised concerns with UK Government regarding the overly bureaucratic visa system that has resulted in a woeful number of refugees being granted entry into the UK.
“Stirling stands shoulder to shoulder with other Scottish local authorities in committing to play our full part in alleviating the plight of these desperate people as soon as possible.”
A council spokesperson said: “The council is working with both the UK and Scottish Governments along with local partners to ensure that people arriving in Scotland from Ukraine are supported.”
Time is of the essence as their situation is desperate...this needs to be resolved immediately