May 5, 2015 - employment and public funds and rights to family reunion comparable to refugees. If they have not been abl
Communities and Neighbourhoods Committee 10.00am, Tuesday 5 May 2015
Syrian Vulnerable Persons Relocation Scheme
Item number
7.10
Report number Executive/routine Wards
Executive summary This report seeks the Committee’s approval for Edinburgh’s involvement in the UK Government’s Syrian Vulnerable Persons Relocation Scheme.
Links Coalition pledges
P36
Council outcomes Single Outcome Agreement
SOA1 to 4
Report Syrian Vulnerable Persons Relocation Scheme Recommendations 1.1
The Communities and Neighbourhoods Committee is recommended to: 1.1.1 approve Edinburgh’s participation in the UK Government’s Syrian Vulnerable Persons Relocation Scheme; and 1.1.2 agree the project management and reporting arrangements proposed at paragraph 3.7.
Background 2.1
As of March 2015, the UN estimates over 12million people are in need of humanitarian assistance within Syria. 3.9m people have fled the country and 7.6million are displaced within it.
2.2
In January 2014, the Home Secretary signalled the UK Government’s intention to relocate some of the most vulnerable Syrian refugees to the UK under the Syrian Vulnerable Persons Relocation (VPR) Scheme.
2.3
Running alongside the Government’s existing refugee resettlement programme, Gateway, the VPR started resettling refugees in March 2014. According to Home Office statistics, 143 people (including dependents) had been granted ‘humanitarian protection’ by the end of 2014.
Main report VPR Scheme Details 3.1
The scheme is based on need (as opposed to a quota) and the Government intention is to settle two to three families (approximately 10 – 15 people) per month over a three year period.
3.2
Individuals identified by the UNHCR are allowed to bring immediate family with them. This is limited to one spouse/partner (who must be over 18) and their minor dependent children (under 18 and not living an independent life). Families generally comprise four to six people inclusive of the main applicant.
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3.3
The scheme prioritises help for survivors of torture and violence, women and children at risk, and those in need of medical care. The Home Office works with the UNHCR to identify suitable applicants.
3.4
All applicants and accompanying family members are subject to the usual immigration checks and screening prior to a visa being granted. Those with a criminal past or links to war crimes or extremism are excluded from the scheme.
3.5
Successful applicants are granted leave to remain for five years with full access to employment and public funds and rights to family reunion comparable to refugees. If they have not been able to return to Syria within the five years allowed for by the scheme, they may be eligible to apply for settlement in the UK.
3.6
Applicants are subject to health screening and there is a process in place for reviewing cases with specific medical needs. Following this assessment and consideration of broader needs, local authorities can confirm with the Home Office whether or not they are able to accept specific applicants. Edinburgh Proposal
3.7
The proposal is that Edinburgh seek to host four to five families (therefore in the region of 20 – 25 people in total). Initial conversations have taken place within the Council (housing and social work) and with partners (Lothian Health and Police Scotland) who have all confirmed their willingness and capacity (financial and in terms of personnel) to support Edinburgh’s involvement with the project. Initial discussions have also taken place to examine potential for wider social support through Edinburgh Churches for Sanctuary and Cities for Sanctuary networks.
3.8
If the Committee is willing to agree this proposal, a formal project steering group comprising these stakeholders will be established, reporting to the Communities and Neighbourhoods Committee as the project progresses.
3.9
As the scheme is need rather than quota driven, there is currently no clear timescale for potential relocations nor any guarantee that Edinburgh will be allocated refugees. That will only be established once Edinburgh’s interest has been confirmed with the Home Office. Similarly, detailed local plans for re-settlement can only be made once suitable refugees have been identified and final numbers and configurations of family groups known.
3.10 Home Office operations assume a minimum notice period of four weeks therefore arrangements may need to be made at relatively short notice. Stakeholders have confirmed this should not present any insurmountable difficulties.
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3.11 Further details of timescale, numbers and local plans will be reported back to the Committee as soon as they are known.
Measures of success 4.1
The key measure of success will be that the number of refugees envisaged relocate to Edinburgh and integrate successfully into the city in terms of their home, social and professional/educational lives.
4.2
If the project proves successful, the Committee may wish to consider applying to resettle more refugees in future years. Committee may also wish to give consideration to Edinburgh’s participation in other refugee resettlement programmes.
Financial impact 5.1
Central Government will cover the following costs:
5.2
Reception and ground travel costs to the receiving area. The actual costs of up to two months’ void costs when securing accommodation, plus the actual cost of adapting and furnishing properties where necessary. One-off cash and clothing allowance for new arrivals of £200 per person paid in advance of receipt of mainstream benefits. £4,500 per head for education costs for 5 – 18 year olds (£2,250 for ages 3-5) plus any first year costs for specialist educational support which may be required. Costs of providing one year’s orientation support including provision of English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) provision.
It will not cover:
first year adult and child social care costs; primary care costs plus first year secondary health costs including any specialist services; and future year support costs.
These costs are expected to be met by the relevant local authority and health board. The Scottish Government has signalled a willingness to look at options for assistance if future year support costs were to prove significant in any specific case, and beyond what a local authority is able to meet.
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Risk, policy, compliance and governance impact 6.1
Committee will need to be mindful of the Council’s equality duty to foster good relations between different groups. Any risks in this regard will be mitigated through careful project coordination community safety and Police Scotland colleagues as well as development of proactive and reactive media strategies.
6.2
A start has been made to these lines of work through the stakeholder group and their further development will form part of future reporting to committee.
Equalities impact 7.1
The recommendations and contents of this report have been assessed in light of the public sector equality duty described within the Equality Act 2010 and the various human rights duties placed on the Council. Initial assessment has indicated that participation in this scheme would be in line with the council’s obligations. However, as identified above, careful consideration would need to be given to ensuring good community relations was maintained, and any illegal discrimination, harassment or victimisation of relocated persons was addressed.
Sustainability impact 8.1
The impacts of this report in relation to the three elements of the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 Public Bodies Duties have been considered, and the outcomes are summarised below. Relevant Council sustainable development policies have been taken into account.
8.2
The proposal in this report will help achieve a sustainable Edinburgh because it is promoting personal well being, social inclusion and creating equality of opportunity for the most vulnerable in our society.
Consultation and engagement 9.1
As previously referenced, consultation/engagement has taken place with appropriate statutory service providers and third sector partners which has successfully established the viability of a small scale participation in the VPR.
9.2
Wider community consultation may prove appropriate and will be re-assessed once details of potential scheme candidates and our plans for their relocation are confirmed.
Background reading/external references None. Communities and Neighbourhoods Committee – 5 May 2015
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Alastair Maclean Director of Corporate Governance Contact: Nick Croft, Corporate Policy and Strategy Manager E-mail:
[email protected] | Tel: 0131 469 3726
Alistair Dinnie, Business Manager, Leader’s Office E-mail: alistair.dinnie@edinburgh,gov.uk | Tel: 0131 469 3855
Links Coalition pledges
P36 - Develop improved partnership working across the Capital and with the voluntary sector to build on the “Total Craigroyston” model
Council outcomes Single Outcome Agreement
Appendices
SO1 - Edinburgh's Economy Delivers increased investment, jobs and opportunities for all SO2 - Edinburgh's citizens experience improved health and wellbeing, with reduced inequalities in health SO3 - Edinburgh's children and young people enjoy their childhood and fulfil their potential SO4 - Edinburgh's communities are safer and have improved physical and social fabric None
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