Firms offered £350k to resettle Syrian refugees in Dudley
A company is being offered up to £350,000 by a Black Country council to help resettle Syrian refugees in the borough.
Dudley Council has committed to take in 20 families left homeless in the civil war over five years. So far it has taken in six families.
Now, the local authority is looking for a firm to support housing and integrating the refugees into borough life. It has now put a four-year contract out to tender valued at between £100,000 and £350,000.
Councillor Laura Taylor, Cabinet member for housing, said: “We are welcoming 20 families to the borough over five years, with six families resettled to date – these are some of the most vulnerable people you can imagine who need help and support,” she added.
“They come to this borough with nothing having been in camps on the Syrian borders, and need intensive support to resettle, learn the language, and integrate into the local community.”
The contract will include providing specialist language and resettlement services for the refugees. It will also see them introduced to established voluntary and community groups in the borough.
Helping hand
Councillor Taylor said: “Although all of the money is provided by the Government, this is more about ensuring we offer a helping hand to those who need it most.
“Black Country people pride themselves on being warm and welcoming, something we should continue to be proud of.”
Companies had until today to bid for the contract, which will begin on April 3 and finish on March 31 in 2022.
Under the Government Syrian refugee resettlement plan, around 20,000 people are being brought into the UK.
Councils receive £8,520 per refugee accepted, plus £4,500 to provide education for every child aged five to 18 years.
They must ensure appropriate accommodation for new arrivals, then provide a ‘welcome pack’ of groceries reflecting the refugees’ culture.
