More Syrian refugees to be housed in Mansfield

mansfield,civic,centre,google
Mansfield Civic Centre (Picture: Google)
By Kit Sandeman, Local Democracy Reporter

Two families of Syrian refugees will be housed in Mansfield after funding has been approved for up to 10 people to be moved to the district.

The decision is part of the Syrian Vulnerable Persons Relocation Scheme, a Government scheme which aims to settle 20,000 people over five years.

Mansfield District Council has already relocated 23 people and will welcome two more families totalling 10 refugees later this month.

Councillor Barry Answer, portfolio holder for housing, said: “With funding from the Home Office, the council will provide its statutory duty and give support to the country-wide effort in providing humanitarian protection to Syrian refugees.

“This includes housing, education and welfare support to settle them in the community.”

The Home Office, which runs the scheme, is providing the council with up to £8,520 in the first year for each refugee, supporting housing and welfare needs.

Additional funding will be provided for education, including a £1,000 special needs assessment, £2,250 for three-to-four-year-olds and £4,500 for five-to-18-year-olds.