THE LEADER of the county council has been urged to use his ‘influential’ position to offer Syrian refugees a place to stay in Worcestershire.
Coun Adrian Hardman has received an open letter from Coun Peter McDonald, leader of the county council’s Labour group, asking him not to turn a ‘blind eye’ to the situation.
His calls come after Prime Minister David Cameron last week confirmed the UK will accept up to 20,000 refugees over the next five years.
At a meeting in July, the county council voted against the Syrian Vulnerable Persons Relocation scheme as it could cost council taxpayers between £100,000 and £150,000 a year to support 12 families.
However, following the Government’s announcement Coun McDonald said it was important the Tory-led authority responded to calls for action and changed its stance.
“I have asked Adrian Hardman, leader of the county council, to use his influence to ensure we honour our obligations and accept our fair share of Syrian Refuges following the lead of the Prime Minister,” he said.
“Not to do so would be inhumane and turning a blind eye to the terrible suffering of those families fleeing conflict.
“In the recent past the Leader recommended the council did not take any Syrian refugees in, but things have worsened greatly recently and I am sure the leader will approve Syrian Refugees coming to Worcestershire.”
The county council are set to hold a board meeting on Monday (September 21) where bosses are expected to review the Syrian Vulnerable Persons Relocation.
Coun Hardman added: “We are monitoring the Syrian refugees situation very closely. It is moving quickly and Government policy is changing on a daily basis to reflect that. “Council leaders in Worcestershire will meet over the next two weeks to coordinate our response.
“The Syrian refugee situation involves many other public and private partners across Worcestershire, including health, housing and the Department for Work and Pensions and we need to work together.”
