Issue - meetings

Members are requested to consider the report as set out on pages 7-10 of the Cabinet agenda for 7 June 2022 and make the following resolutions as recommended by the Cabinet:

1.     That Cabinet recommends to Council that WSCC funding of £1,000 per refugee be accepted.

2.     That Cabinet recommends to Council to delegate authority to allocate these funds to the Divisional Manager for Communities and Customer Services as set out in para 5.2 and 5.3 to provide community support.

Cllr Briscoe proposed the recommendation which was seconded by Cllr Lintill.

Cllr Briscoe introduced the item.

Cllr Apel asked what the situation is in the district for any families where it has not worked out with their hosts. Mrs Rudziak explained that there is high level of success in the district. She outlined that West Sussex County Council have a rematching scheme in those situations. There is also temporary accommodation from the County Council to prevent homelessness in this situation.

Cllr Brown wished to recognise Cllr Briscoe and Mrs Rudziak for their work.

Cllr Duncton wished to declare a pecuniary interest as she supports Petworth Ukrainian Relief.

Cllr Bangert asked what was being done to liaise with local schools for children who have suffered trauma as a result of the war in the Ukraine. Mrs Rudziak explained that would be a provision from the County Council however the Social Prescriber would assist where possible if there were a referral.

Cllr O’Kelly wished to note that the funding would be upfront. She wished to highlight that a number of children now at Bishop Luffa had yet to receive the government funding.

Cllr Sharp declared a personal interest as a host to a Ukrainian guest. She noted the support provided to hosts by the charity Sanctuary. She drew attention to the future support that would be needed.

Cllr Briscoe clarified that guests would be entitled to claim benefits. 

Cllr Donna Johnson noted the firsthand support she had experienced in helping families be rematched and rehoused by the County Council.

Cllr Plowman wished to note the level of support from the residents of the district.

In a vote the following resolutions were agreed:

1. That WSCC funding of £1,000 per refugee be accepted.
2. That Council delegates authority to allocate these funds to the Divisional Manager for Communities and Customer Services as set out in para 5.2 to 5.4 to provide community support.

The Cabinet is requested to consider the report and make the following recommendations to Council:

1.     That Cabinet recommends to Council that WSCC funding of £1,000 per refugee be accepted.

2.     That Cabinet recommends to Council to delegate authority to allocate these funds to the Divisional Manager for Communities and Customer Services as set out in para 5.2 and 5.3 to provide community support.

*RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL:

1.     That WSCC funding of £1,000 per refugee be accepted.

2.     That authority be delegated to allocate these funds to the Divisional Manager for Communities and Customer Services as set out in para 5.2 and 5.4 to provide community support.

Cllr Briscoe introduced the item.

Mrs Bushby added that the number of refugees that had arrived in the district covered the funding requested.

Cllr Taylor asked whether the fund would apply to other organisations who are providing support to refugees and if so how would they be made aware. Mrs Bushby explained that they would be eligible to apply for a portion of the council’s allocation via a simple form which will be advertised on the council’s website.

In a vote the following recommendations were agreed:

RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL:

1.    That WSCC funding of £1,000 per refugee be accepted.

2.    That authority be delegated to allocate these funds to the Divisional Manager for Communities and Customer Services as set out in para 5.2 and 5.4 to provide community support.