(1) To delegate authority to the Director of Service Delivery in consultation with the Lead Councillor for Housing and Community to give consent to future community sponsorship applications as part of the vulnerable persons resettlement scheme, subject to them meeting Home Office criteria.
(2) To authorise the Head of Community Services to progress arrangements for consented community sponsorship with the Home Office and with Resettle@Guildford.
Reasons:
· The resettlement of refugee households in Guildford adds to the diversity of the area and the household will have the opportunity in the long term to contribute to the local economy through employment and voluntary work. This results in a vibrant local economy with thriving towns and villages. The VPRS and Community Sponsorship Scheme present opportunities to promote community spirit, to encourage individuals and families to welcome and support refugee households and to be more resilient in times of need.
· In granting delegated authority to the Director of Service Delivery in consultation with the Lead Member to give consent to community sponsors (such as Resettle@Guildford) alongside authorisation to the Head of Community Services to progress applications with the Home Office, this process can work efficiently and swiftly for the benefit of our communities.
Other options considered and rejected by the Executive:
None
Details of any conflict of interest declared by the Leader or lead councillors and any dispensation granted:
None