Swansea Council makes housing available to accommodate refugees

Swansea council has responded to a call for help from the Syrian Vulnerable Persons Relocation scheme in the wake of discussions with the Home Office.

Senior members and officers will activate a clause in the council’s housing policy that allows the authority to make decisions of this kind without Full Council approval in the face of an emergency crisis.

Cllr Andrea Lewis, Cabinet Member for Next Generation Services, said: “You can’t help but to be moved and horrified by footage on the news of refugees risking their lives to escape war and persecution for better lives. This is the world’s worst humanitarian crisis in recent times – it’s absolutely heart-breaking.

“As a city of sanctuary, it’s vital we step up to the plate here in Swansea and show the Syrian refugees that they’re very welcome here. Ensuring that an allocation of council housing is available here to accommodate refugee families is one of the ways we can help, but we’ve got to act quickly – which is something we’re determined to do.

“The people of Swansea have already shown their enormous kindness by donating so many much-needed supplies to the refugees who are now scattered across Europe. I’m sure they’ll support what we’re doing because it sends a message out that Swansea is a hugely compassionate city where we look out for people who are less fortunate than ourselves.”

Mountains of blankets, kitchen utensils and toiletries were among the items kind-hearted Swansea people donated to the cause in recent weeks. The council worked in close partnership with the YMCA, who have arranged for the supplies to be delivered to the refugees most in need across the continent. A number of Swansea Council buildings, including the Civic Centre and community libraries, acted as drop-off and collection points for the donations.