Decision details

The Home Office has introduced a Community Sponsorship Scheme whereby local community groups can take responsibility to welcome and support refugee families from conflict-ridden regions directly into their communities. This complements resettlement work that has been undertaken by local authorities as part of the Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme (VPRS). Surrey County Council and Surrey’s Districts and Boroughs have been active participants in the VPR Scheme since 2015 and over 100 families have been resettled in Surrey.   The Community Sponsorship Scheme was paused by the Home Office during the pandemic and is now being reintroduced. 

It is recommended that Community Sponsorship is encouraged and enabled as a means to resettle Syrian Refugees under the Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme and the Cabinet Member gives consent to prospective Community Sponsors in Guildford subject to them meeting the Home Office criteria for that consent.

It was AGREED that:

1.           The Executive Director for Children, Families and Lifelong Learning gives consent to a prospective Community Sponsor in Guildford subject to them meeting the Home Office criteria for that consent.

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.

No other options considered – as this has worked elsewhere.

The potential implications for the following council priorities and policy areas have been considered. Where the impact is potentially significant a summary of the issues is set out in detail below.