Issue - meetings

A decision had been taken by the Chief Executive on the 7^th September 2021, under the urgency provisions of Standing Order 35, to support the Government’s Afghan Relocation and Assistance Policy (ARAP) Scheme. This scheme offered to relocate (to the UK) current or former locally employed staff assessed to be under serious threat to life in Afghanistan.

A report was presented which sought ratification of the above mentioned decision on the basis that the Council would commit to assisting two households through the scheme. This would supplement the commitments already given by Reigate & Banstead and Mole Valley Councils to assist three and two households respectively. The report also explained the Government’s separate Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS) which had been introduced on the 13^th September.

Arising from Members’ questions, officers advised that Reigate & Banstead’s Global Resettlement Team were experienced in helping to integrate immigrant households within the local community. It was also explained that the Council’s financial contribution towards assisting households under the ARAP scheme would help fund net rental shortfalls after allowing for universal credit payments.   

Notwithstanding the merits of engaging in both schemes, the need to recognise the needs of UK veterans affected by the Afghan conflict was acknowledged during the debate.    

            R E S O L V E D – that:

A.    the decision taken under the urgency provisions of Standing Order 35 to support the Afghan Relocation and Assistance Policy (ARAP) Scheme be ratified; and

B.    eligible households that qualify for assistance under either the ARAP Scheme or the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme be considered for support.