Agenda item

(a)  That a specific and limited offer is made to support asylum seekers dispersal by permitting the Governments contractor to source and operate a single dwelling in Slough.

(b)  That a specific offer is made to support for the SVPR scheme by accepting up to 5 small families (with up to 2 children) over the next 4/5 years and that an Operational Group is established to facilitate the support.

(c)  That no offer is made to accept any children from the UASC scheme at this stage, until services for the most vulnerable children in the borough are in a more stable position. That delegated power be given to the Interim Director of Children’s Services to agree in consultation with the Slough Children’s Services Trust Ltd and others the extent of the councils future involvement in the UASC scheme.

The Commissioner for Regulation & Consumer Protection introduced a report that sought approval on the activities proposed in response to the Governments request on refugee dispersal; Syrian Vulnerable Persons Relocation Scheme (SVPRS) and Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children (UASC) scheme.  The proposal was to permit the Governments contractor to source and operate a single dwelling in Slough to support asylum seekers dispersal and that up to five small families (with up to two children) be supported under the SVPRS over the next four or five years.  It was proposed that no offer be made to accept any children under the UASC scheme until services for the most vulnerable children in Slough were more stable.  It was considered that the overall package was reasonable and proportionate for Slough.

The Cabinet discussed the report and a number of questions were asked by Councillors Wright and Swindlehurst under Rule 30.  It was clarified that the single dwelling under the dispersal programme would be sourced by the Government’s contractor and would not be a Council owned property.  Experience from other authorities suggested that faith groups or altruistic landlords may provide assistance in identifying or providing a suitable property.  The Council would have a veto on the location if it did not consider it to be suitable.  Community cohesion issues were raised and the Head of Consumer Protection & Business Compliance explained that a steering group of partners had considered this and other operational matters in detail and were satisfied that any risks were minimal and could be managed.  After due consideration, the recommendations were agreed.

Resolved –

(a)  That a specific and limited offer is made to support asylum seekers dispersal by permitting the Governments contractor to source and operate a single dwelling in Slough.

(b)  That a specific offer be made to support for the SVPR scheme by accepting up to 5 small families (with up to 2 children) over the next 4/5 years and that an Operational Group be established to facilitate the support.

(c)  That no offer be made to accept any children from the UASC scheme at this stage, until services for the most vulnerable children in the borough were in a more stable position. That delegated power be given to the Interim Director of Children’s Services to agree in consultation with the Slough Children’s Services Trust Ltd and others the extent of the councils future involvement in the UASC scheme.