Issue - meetings

To receive a verbal update from the Housing Options Manager on the situation regarding the housing of Syrian Refugees.

The Housing Options Manager provided the Group with a verbal update regarding the housing of Syrian Refugees within Mid Devon. This included the following:

·         4 properties had been identified within the district.

·         The first of these was in Washfield, however, it was explained that Mid Devon District Council had agreed with Devon County Council that an agreement would not be entered into with the Home Office unless a family could be identified that would be suited to a very rural location.

·         The second one was a three bedroomed house in Cullompton.

·         The third and fourth properties were in Bradninch.

·         The Council was looking to the end of July for the arrival of the first family.

·         A fifth property in Crediton would not be progressed until the other families had been settled.

·         Due to the amount of time it was taking officers to progress these arrangements there had been some affect upon the frontline service offered by the housing options team.

·         It was confirmed that there was only 4 years remaining in relation to this Government scheme.

The Group requested that they receive an update at their next meeting.