Issue - meetings

To update the Housing Allocation Scheme to allow direct allocation of homes to people arriving in the Chichester District via the Syrian Vulnerable Persons Relocation Scheme.

RESOLVED

That the Housing Allocation Scheme be updated to include the following statement to allow direct allocation of homes to people arriving in the Chichester District via the Syrian Vulnerable Persons Relocation Scheme:-

“Section 17 Syrian Vulnerable Persons Relocation Scheme

17.1 Where an individual or family is to be relocated to the Chichester District through the Government’s Syrian Vulnerable Persons Relocation Scheme they will be directly allocated a home without the need to provide a local connection or to be placed on the Housing Register.”

The Cabinet considered the report circulated with the agenda (copy attached to the official minutes).

Mrs Taylor introduced the report, and reminded the Cabinet of the Government’s commitment to relocating 20,000 Syrian refugees. West Sussex County Council had made a commitment to accepting one family of four per month for five years. This would equate to around two families per year for Chichester District. In order to enable these families to be placed directly in accommodation to meet their needs, an amendment to the Housing Allocation Scheme was required. Mrs Taylor added that both the County Council and the voluntary sector would provide support to help the families settle in and feel welcomed.

Mr Finch supported the proposal, but asked whether this would increase waiting times for families on the register and whether this could be managed.

Mr Dunmall (Housing Operations Manager) explained that the Council made about 420 allocations per year, so the addition of two more would be a very small proportion. The Council could place them on the housing register and their exceptional needs would give them priority anyway, but the proposed amendment would avoid the need for the families to undergo form-filling processes. It would not have a significant impact on waiting times for others.

The Chairman emphasised that the families would be taken directly from refugee camps in and around the Syrian border and would have been vetted by the United Nations and the Home Office.

Mrs Lintill commended the community response to the refugees’ plight and added that the local member should be involved as the refugees were found homes.

RESOLVED

That the Housing Allocation Scheme be updated to include the following statement to allow direct allocation of homes to people arriving in the Chichester District via the Syrian Vulnerable Persons Relocation Scheme:-

“Section 17 Syrian Vulnerable Persons Relocation Scheme

17.1 Where an individual or family is to be relocated to the Chichester District through the Government’s Syrian Vulnerable Persons Relocation Scheme they will be directly allocated a home without the need to provide a local connection or to be placed on the Housing Register.”