The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
South Holland District Council is determined not to lose out financially if there is a requirement to take in Syrian refugees.
Coun Angela Newton, who is leader of the opposition Independent group, raised the issue at a full council meeting on October 14.
Her understanding was that the first year would be fully funded by the government but there would be no financial support beyond then.
The Spalding Monkshouse ward member added: “We can’t afford it. We have a long list of our own people requiring help and I don’t think it’s fair that they are penalised.”
Council chief executive Anna Graves told the meeting that the “likelihood” for Lincolnshire was around 200 refugees.
“South Holland is not currently identified [as a recipient] but we’re yet to have that confirmed,” she said. “I do know that officers in housing have been working through possible options but in the next few weeks it may become clearer.”
Council deputy leader Nick Worth added: “Local government is quite clear that we want everything fully funded for the duration that they are here and I would expect this council to adopt a similar preference.”
