Agenda item

Report of Director of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services

The Director of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services submitted a report (previously circulated) outlining the work being undertaken by the Council in relation to the Syrian Refugees and the Asylum Seeker Project operated by G4S.

It was reported that the Syrian refugee project had been established in 2016 as a result of the Syrian conflict and the Council had agreed to accept and support ten families initially, however this had now increased to 14 to enable families to be reunited, with 54 individuals now being supported through the programme and that, overall, the project had gone well with all the families integrating well into their locality and communities.

The submitted report also outlined the current position in relation to another 92 asylum seekers being supported in Darlington through the Governments contract with G4S and it was reported that, although the Council was not directly involved in this project and only privately rented properties were used to house the individuals, the housing service was becoming involved in offering support and advice.  Where possible, these individuals were signposted back to G4S, however, it was placing an additional pressure on services and an additional Support Volunteer had been employed on a temporary basis to cope with the increased demand and to liaise more closely with G4S and its clients.

RESOLVED – That the report be received.