Plymouth to welcome 30 refugees into the city by 2025
Plymouth is set to welcome 30 refugees to the city by 2025. The decision comes as Plymouth City Council[1] formally backed a government commitment to set a cap on the number of people arriving to the UK on safe and legal routes for humanitarian purposes.
The council say putting a cap on the numbers ensures that Plymouth can continue to ensure it remains a ‘welcoming city’, while ensuring that there will not be too greater pressure on the local housing market.
The cap will be reviewed throughout 2024 to ensure that the number is still in keeping with this aim. All 30 refugees will arrive through specified routes, namely the UK Resettlement Scheme (UKRS), the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS) and will be fully-funded by the government for the first three to five years.
These Home Office approved schemes relocate those vulnerable people who may be at particular risk when seeking support from a third country as a refugee, including women and girls, those with health conditions and members of minority groups.
Since 2015, Plymouth has welcomed 267 people to the city through similar schemes.
Councillor Chris Penberthy, cabinet member for housing, co-operative development and communities, said: “I’m very proud that yet again Plymouth will become a sanctuary for some of the world’s most vulnerable people.
“We are a compassionate, welcoming city and decisions like this ensure that we can commit to helping people who have lost so much because of war and persecution. I look forward to personally welcoming these people and supporting them to live a new life here in Plymouth.”
This news follows on from the commissioning of a Resettlement Support Service, as announced earlier this year. Formally known as the Refugee Integration and Support Service, this service will provide help and support with access to housing, improved English language skills, increased self-sufficiency via employment and community integration.
It will also contribute towards improved community cohesion within Plymouth and support other organisations to become more culturally aware.
References
- ^ Plymouth City Council (www.plymouthherald.co.uk)
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