Decision details

The Director of Public Health, Protection and Community Services provided Cabinet with an update on the support being provided by the Council to refugees, Ukraine nationals and asylum seekers in Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT) and outlines the considerable work undertaken by the Council and partner organisations, to respond positively and as effectively as possible across all the resettlement schemes.

Members were informed that, to date, over 320 refugees, asylum seekers and Ukraine nationals had been supported into accommodation in RCT with new arrivals weekly under the various schemes listed within the report. As a result of the UK Asylum Dispersal Scheme, the numbers were expected to increase significantly in the next 12 months.

The Director advised that many of the arrivals had been supported to secure employment, education, health services and sustainable housing through the multi-disciplinary work of a wide range of Council Departments and the support of external partners including the local health board.

The Leader took the opportunity to thank the staff for going over and above despite the challenging timescales.

The Deputy Leader echoed the Leader’s comments and expressed her profound thanks to the teams for the enormous amount of work undertaken. The Deputy Leader stated that it was heart-warming to witness the welcome and support delivered by RCT staff and partners; and went on to speak of an individual who was part of a scheme within the Ynysangharad War Memorial Park. The Deputy Leader was delighted that the individual had not only received a positive welcome and integrated well within the team but had won an award. The Deputy Leader was pleased to note that RCT Council were contributing to ensuring Wales is a nation of safe sanctuary.

The Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Corporate Services reiterated earlier comments and was proud to note the Council’s long-established commitment to helping those unable to stay safely in their home country.

The Cabinet RESOLVED:

1. To note the increasing numbers of refugees, Ukrainian nationals and asylum seekers being resettled in RCT and the emerging housing, support and financial demands this presents; and

2. To note the significant actions being taken to support and welcome people resettling in RCT by the Council, our partners and stakeholders.