Councils have space for 20,000 refugees

ENOUGH local authority places to resettle 20,000 Syrian refugees over the next four years have now been secured, the Government said yesterday.

Amber Rudd, the Home Secretary, said that 2,800 Syrians had arrived by the end of June and been re-housed in more than 100 council areas.

Ms Rudd said the initiative, launched a year ago, was on course to welcome 20,000 Syrian refugees.

Ms Rudd said: “Securing the 20,000 pledges within 12 months is testament to the immense goodwill and generosity of the British people and the effort and determination of local authorities across the UK.

“We are on track and delivering our commitment to help the most vulnerable Syrians displaced by the conflict.”

The Home Office also announced £10 million funding for English language training, which will mean all adults arriving through the scheme will receive an extra 12 hours a week of tuition for up to six months.

David Simmonds, the Local Government Association’s asylum, refugee, and migration task force chairman, said: “We have previously said that we were confident in ensuring there were sufficient places to support the Government’s pledge to resettle 20,000 people by 2020, and the focus must now be on ensuring families are matched to the right placements and that they arrive safely and are well supported.

“Councils will be helping to support some of the most vulnerable families fleeing Syria who will need ongoing support from health and social care services to cope with injuries, disabilities and to recover from the severe trauma they have experienced.”