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Medway Council is among of a third of local authorities refusing to take Syrian refugees

Medway Council is standing by its decision not to take on any refugees from Syria because of insufficient funding from the government.

Council leader Alan Jarrett confirmed that the authority was not able to provide asylum until long term financial support is guaranteed.

Currently a sum of £8,500 has been allocated for each refugee in the first year, tapering the amount down to £1,000 in the fifth year.

Cllr Alan Jarrett, leader of Medway Council
Cllr Alan Jarrett, leader of Medway Council

Medway is among more than a third of councils refusing to accept Syrian refugees over the coming four years, principally because of resettlement costs, according to a survey published by the Local Government Chronicle this week.

So far, authorities have only committed to taking 8,146 out of the 20,000 that David Cameron said that Britain will accept under the programme.

Cllr Jarrett this would impact on vital services for local people which are already being cut back to meet its reduced budget.

He said: “We have continued our dialogue with the government, but our priorities have to be with people in Medway. It is unacceptable that children may have to be moved out of the area or residents should suffer.

Vulnerable young children are being targeted by people traffickers
Vulnerable young children are being targeted by people traffickers

“It is not satisfactory that at the end of five years we get nothing when, if anything, costs will rise. That’s not the way the world works.”

Medway has taken in three unaccompanied children and no adults, whereas Kent County Council is looking after 720 unaccompanied minors seeking asylum.

Cllr Vince Maple, Medway’s Labour group leader, earlier said he felt more should be done but sympathised with Cllr Jarrett’s determination to protect frontline services.

He said: “But the question I would ask Cllr Jarrett, is what exactly is he doing about this? What action has been taken to seek necessary funding? The people of Medway have been way ahead of the council and councillors in their solidarity with the Syrian refugees.”

Clive Gregory, of Medway Green Party said it was appalling that Medway was not doing more and felt the government should impose the number for each authority nationwide.

Mr Gregory, who represented his party in the last general election, said: “It would seem we are not doing our bit and don’t believe Medway is under any more pressure than other areas.They seem to be ignoring what most people want – to shoulder the burden.”

Greens want Medway to host 50 refugees and have called the UK’s refusal to take more than 20,000 refugees shameful.

A party spokesman said: “Helping even a small number would be a small step by Medway Council, but make a huge difference to those individuals saved from fear, inhumane living conditions, and possible death.

“What we are asking is for Medway Council to join other councils in making a declaration that refugees are welcome in our towns and demonstrate practical steps they will be taking to accommodate refugees.”

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