WAVERLEY Borough Council’s decision-making executive has pledged to provide homes for five refugee families in the borough as part of the Government’s Syrian Refugee Resettlement Programme.

The Government introduced the programme in response to the continued conflict in Syria and has pledged to resettle 20,000 Syrian refugees over five years from refugee camps bordering Syria, inviting all councils in the UK to participate.

Waverley’s executive has offered to assist five households over five years.

The Home Office will identify the vulnerable households in the camps, handle their refugee applications and carry out the essential screening/vetting checks prior to them travelling to the UK.

The families will then be given refugee status for five years, and will therefore be eligible to work and claim welfare benefits including housing benefit where necessary.

They will also receive advice, help and support from the Waverley’s family support team to help them adapt to a new country and settle in the community. This includes assistance to develop language skills, seek employment and register with other relevant service providers.

Affordable homes will be sought for them in the private rented sector within a community with shops, services and facilities. The Home Office will fully fund the scheme including a contribution to the council of approximately £8,600 per family member.

Waverley council leader Julia Potts said:  “Waverley has a strong track record of supporting families with complex needs through its highly regarded Family Support Service and we will extend the support offered by the service to five families as part of the UK’s effort to respond to the refugee crisis.

“The Syrian Refugee Resettlement Programme is fully funded by government and families will be housed in the private rented sector so not to impact on the council’s housing register. We will work with all our partners to find suitable accommodation.

“In addition to providing a home, we also provide support and assistance to help the refugee households adapt to a new country and integrate into the local community.

For more information about how to help refugees fleeing persecution overseas, visit the website www.waverley.gov.uk/refugees.