Meeting documents

To consider and comment on this report.

The Committee considered this report that provided an update on the Syrian Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Programme and it was noted that a further ten families had been resettled over the past year.

It was noted that there have been many successes and achievements and staffing had also been strengthened. Progress had been made on specific goals such as 60% of families resettled in six months and with a family member now in work. Also, the programme remained in financial balance being fully funded by Home Office funds.

The report set out that progress remained in line with the Council decision taken in August 2016 to resettle 30 families over a three-year period, subject to there being capacity in relevant services. Overall resettlement figures were provided including the number in each District Council area and it was noted this amounted to 106 individuals under the County scheme, 13 of which had subsequently moved to other areas of the UK.

It was stated that 17% of Somerset arrivals (male and female aged over 16) were in work compared 3% nationally. Officers had worked hard to strengthen English class provision – English for Speakers of other Languages (ESOL) - in each resettlement area. Home Office funding required that eight hours per week of classes for those at Entry level or better on arrival were provided. There was no requirement to fund English classes for those in later years or to have formal classes below this level, but discretion was used to allocate funds as it was thought that acquiring English was so fundamental and important to successful resettlement.

There was a brief discussion about a few instances of those in the programme having encountered racially motivated abuse and occasional physical violence. It was noted in response to a question that Officers endeavour to support the families with this process and to understand how unacceptable this behaviour is and that it should be reported. Work is then undertaken to build up their often-shattered confidence to encourage them to re-engage in their local area.

The Chair and Committee thanked the officer for the clear report and the very worthwhile on-going work in this area. A further report was requested in 12 months.