The Portfolio Holder for Housing and Health presented the report which set out the Council’s Policy for participating in the Syrian Vulnerable Persons Relocation Scheme (SVPRS) in Kent.  Members were asked to consider the report to Cabinet which recommended adoption of the Sevenoaks District SVPRS Policy to enable the Council to support the resettlement of Syrian refugee families, if suitable and affordable housing was identified.  Decision making on a case by case basis would be achieved through delegated powers to the Portfolio Holder responsible for Housing, following consultation with local Members. 

The Head of Housing and Health set out that Members were asked to adopt the Sevenoaks District SVPRS Policy to enable the Council to support the resettlement of Syrian refugee families.  A public speaker from Sevenoaks Welcomes Refugees also spoke on the item and thanked the Council for its support.

Public Sector Equality Duty

Members noted that consideration had been given to impacts under the Public Sector Equality Duty.

Resolved:  That

a)   the Sevenoaks District Syrian Vulnerable Persons Relocation Scheme set out in Appendix A be adopted; and

b)   authority be delegated to the Portfolio Holder for Housing to make decisions relating to the Sevenoaks District Syrian Vulnerable Persons Relocation Scheme Policy.