Council yet to make move on refugee crisis

During a three-hour debate in the House of Commons earlier this month, David Cameron said the UK will take up to 20,000 refugees over the next four and a half years from camps bordering the war-torn nation of Syria.

The Prime Minister said the UK had a "moral responsibility" to help those forced to live in camps while also doing all it can to end the conflict there.

However, Enfield council is yet to offer homes to refugees and it waiting for the home office before stating its position.

Cllr Doug Taylor, leader of Enfield Council, said: “We have all seen the shocking and distressing images from the Syrian refugee crisis and it is right and proper that London should play its part and make a positive contribution to the aid effort.

“Following the Prime Minister’s statement we await further information from the government about the United Kingdom’s response before we will know the implications for Enfield Council.

“Enfield has a proud tradition of caring for displaced people and at present we are looking after 106 families who have left their home countries and we are caring for a further 45 unaccompanied children.

“We know the Local Government Association (LGA) is involved in ongoing discussions with Government, and is calling for a long term plan for how vulnerable children, families and vulnerable adults will be supported as they move to the UK.

"The LGA is also continuing to push for a commitment from Government to provide full funding to support individuals and families and the public services. I believe it is vital that national Government funds all of the ongoing costs.

The Leader of the council also said it will be setting up a cabinet sub-committee to manage the situation, chaired by Cllr Yasemin Brett.

Vulnerable children and orphans will be prioritised, and all those granted asylum can stay for five years, have the right to work and access public funds.

After five years they can apply to settle in the UK.