Powys will not take in additional refugees

Additional refugees will not be coming to the area after Powys County Council said it was not planning to increase its intake.

It follows a plea from Kent County Council for help as it receives refugees who are crossing the English Channel.

It is believed that more than 400 unaccompanied children have been among those making the dangerous crossing from France, and Kent council are asking for other local authorities across the UK to take in the children.

They say that an “impossible strain has been placed on finite KCC social care resources such as social workers, independent reviewing officers, care workers, foster carers, accommodation and funding”.

But Powys, who have taken in 16 Syrian families so far as part of a 2016 agreement to accommodate 18, said that it will not be pitching in to help with this latest wave.

“Powys County Council has been part of the Syrian Vulnerable Person Resettlement programme since 2016,” said a spokesperson. “The council’s pledge is to accommodate up to 18 families in Powys.

“The council has not taken part in the Vulnerable Children resettlement programme, and so we have no unaccompanied children.

“Currently Powys is home to 16 Syrian families, with a further two places still available under the original pledge.

“Refugee resettlement is currently on hold due to the Covid-19 situation, but once it resumes, it is anticipated that the final two places will be offered, bringing Powys’ total number of families up to 18 in line with the original pledge.”