The Head of Housing Services , had submitted a report to approve the continuation of the Syrian Vulnerable Persons’ Relocation Scheme (SVPRS) and Vulnerable Children’s Relocation Scheme (VCRS) in 2017 to 2018 including families supported under Community Sponsorship schemes.

Councillor  Bob Price, Leader of the Council,  introduced the report which sought to continue and expand the two schemes, notably through the offer of accommodating a further 10 families and the inclusion of families supported via the Community Sponsorship model.

The Syrian VPRS Officer said the success of the schemes to date was in no small measure because of the good relationship that officers had with partners.  It was recognised that the consequences of benefit changes and lack of familiarity with English would be particularly challenging for this group of people.

The positive outcomes for the children and young people supported by the schemes were commended.

It was noted that the Council had entered into the schemes voluntarily and there should, perhaps, be a more open and celebratory approach to  discussions about and references to them  .

A further report about progress would be provided in due course.

The City Executive Board resolved to:

1.    Approve the continuation of the SVPRS and VCRS scheme to accommodate a further 10 families by the end of 2018; and

2.    Approve the inclusion of families supported under the Community Sponsorship model in this offer.