Hambleton councillors have pledged their support to a county wide scheme to resettle 200 Syrian refugees.
As a result the district will take around 28 – but it is unlikely any of them will arrive until 2018/19.
Members of the authority’s Cabinet have yesterday (Tuesday March 15) agreed to work with all councils in North Yorkshire on the resettlement scheme – and enter into a relationship with Migration Yorkshire for co-ordination and support.
North Yorkshire has identified that it could take 200 people based on local circumstances, housing and school places – with Hambleton’s pro rata figure coming in at 28. The council would be looking at sourcing accommodation – social housing through Broadacres Housing Association.
“We are committed to playing our part in this international crisis,” said Council Leader, Councillor Mark Robson.
“It is a modest figure for Hambleton – as as we are one of the last areas in North Yorkshire to take its quota there will have been lots of experience in what is needed by the refugees for us to be guided by.”
The Home Office is looking to take 20,000 Syrian refugees over the next five years from camps in countries neighbouring the country – those accepted will be granted a five year humanitarian protection visa giving them the same rights as UK citizens on education, employment, health care and public funds. The grant of £8520 paid by the Home Office for each refugee is expected to cover the full cost of resettlement.