Issue - meetings

This report gives the Panel an update on Un-Accompanied Asylum-Seeking Children (UASC) and Syrian Refugee Families.

The Divisional Director for Safeguarding & Social Care introduced this report. He explained that since the publication of the report some very positive talks had taken place with Curo to identify some housing options.

The Chair asked what communication this Council has had with the Government following the closure of the Dubs scheme.

The Divisional Director for Safeguarding & Social Care replied that no direct discussions had taken place with the Government on this matter and that the South West Councils arrange the dispersal of the children.

Councillor Liz Hardman asked if the Council had enough trained foster carers to accept additional unaccompanied children.

The Divisional Director for Safeguarding & Social Care replied that no issues had been encountered so far and that it does have enough trained foster carers.

The Panel RESOLVED to recommend;

i)  That we continue in discussions with Home Office re: receiving further refugees through Syrian Vulnerable Persons Resettlement (SVPR), Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children (UASC) etc.

ii)  That we continue to attempt to secure affordable housing and negotiate   that a third party (Home Turf Lettings or similar) manage the property on our behalf and that their management fee is taken from the year 1 per capita allowance. Years 2-5 to be decided / negotiated. To this end it is recommended that we pay void fees where necessary to secure properties prior to occupation and make a claim to the Home Office to cover the void costs at the end of year 1 (this would not be possible if we hold an underspend).

iii)  That we continue to pursue options with the Home Office re: increasing our funding to cover the LHA gap.

iv)  That we continue our discussions re Community Sponsorship with any interested parties.