100 Afghan refugees could be housed in Swindon
The first arrivals of Afghan guests under the national resettlement and assistance policy have occurred
Last updated 8th Oct 2021
About 100 Afghan refugees, some of whom are already living in Swindon, could be helped and supported for the next year, if a new recommendation to Swindon Borough Council’s cabinet is approved.
If it is, four families from the war-torn country will also be helped to settle in the borough permanently.
The report has been produced partly in response to a motion put to council by Vijay Manro and passed unanimously last month asking the authority to look into what assistance it can provide to such refugees and report back to cabinet.
The report says there are already people from Afghanistan who have been placed by central government in Swindon and more can be expected: “The council needs to act urgently in this instance. The first arrivals in Swindon of Afghan guests under the national resettlement and assistance policy have occurred. The Home Office was unable to give the council notice and therefore the council is already providing an interim emergency response for these arrivals. ”
The report asks for authority to support such placed refugees for the next 12 months.
It adds: “Due to the urgency of the situation, households leaving Afghanistan are being temporarily accommodated across the UK under emergency Home Office provisions. This includes the placing of approximately 100 individuals within the borough over the next 12 months.” It says such people remain the responsibility of the Home Office while they stay in Swindon and will eventually be permanently rehoused across the UK.
The plan to support the guests would see a ‘warm welcome’ team set up to help those in Swindon. The team would hold regular surgeries and advice sessions, work with charities and community groups to arrange activities, and make connections with local groups, manage donations and offers of support from the local community and ensure fair and equitable distribution and help with agencies like the Department for work and pensions and other local and national government departments.
Mr Ash’s report emphasises the needs of women and girls must be addressed so they are able to access services and participate in settlement programme.
The cabinet will meet at 6pm on Wednesday October 13 at the civic offices in Euclid Street.