Decision details

In May 2016, Cardiff Council and the Vale of Glamorgan Council agreed to participate in the resettlement of vulnerable Syrian refugees under the Home Office scheme on a regional basis, under a three year Collaborative Agreement.

In May 2016, an Integration and Support Services provider was appointed to provide resettlement support across the region, in accordance with the requirements set out in the Home Office Funding Instructions.

Both Agreements expire on 16^th May 2019, so Cabinet approval is required to continue to participate in the resettlement of vulnerable refugees until March 2020, on a regional basis, in line with the Home Office scheme.

Participation in the Scheme is on a voluntary basis, and is subject to grant funding being made available to Cardiff Council and the Vale of Glamorgan Council on an annual basis, to support the cost of resettlement and integration.

RESOLVED: that

1.            agreement in principle be given to continue to participate in the active resettlement of refugees from Syria until March 2020, in line with the lifespan of the current VPRS programme, and to provide necessary services to support integration for up to five years post-arrival.

2.            Agreement in principle be given to enter into a Collaborative Agreement with the Vale of Glamorgan Council for up to six years, to deliver the programme on a regional basis and authority for final approval be delegated to the Corporate Director in line with recommendation 4.

3.            a competitive tender be authorised to appoint an Integration and Support Services Provider, to provide resettlement support to Syrian refugees across the region for up to six years, in compliance with the terms and conditions of the VPRS grant funding and authority for the approval of the evaluation criteria and documentation (as well as all aspects of the procurement) be delegated to the Corporate Director in line with recommendation 4. 

4.            Authority be delgated to the Corporate Director of People & Communities, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Social Care, Health & Well-being, s.151 officer and Director of law and Governance to generally deal with all aspects of the procurement process and to progress and finalise arrangements for the delivery of the VPRS in Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan including but not limited to the collaboration agreement with the Vale of Glamorgan and agreement with the Service provider.