Government to pay for Syrian refugees

Coun Simon Blackburn said the resort has agreed to host up to 10 “vulnerable” families wanting to flee the war-torn country.

He spoke out after The Gazette revealed on Saturday Blackpool was one of a number of Lancashire councils to agree to welcome Syrian families. Lancashire will host 500 refugees over the next five years.

Coun Simon Blackburn said: “We are in the process of working with the Government to identify not more than 10 vulnerable families, who are currently in UNHCR refugee camps in the Middle East. Once we’ve got suitable properties, social care, health and educational provision in place, they will be brought over to the UK. The costs associated with these families are being fully met by the Government.

“On a daily basis, people from all over the UK come to Blackpool, often bringing with them all sorts of problems - the bill for which always has to be met by the council taxpayer.

“It’s great that the Government have recognised that in the case of Syria, this can’t be the case, and have worked closely with councils to fund the scheme.

“I sit on the National Migration, Asylum seeker and Refugee task force, and will be meeting with Government ministers again on March 24 to discuss nationwide implementation of the Syrian Resettlement scheme.”