That:

(a)   Herefordshire Council’s voluntary participation in the general asylum dispersal scheme is approved; and

(b)   the extension of Herefordshire’s commitment to resettlement of refugee families is approved, to include Syrian refugee families and those under the VCRS; and

(c)   the director for adults and wellbeing be authorised, following consultation with the director for children’s wellbeing and the relevant cabinet members, to take all operational decisions necessary to agree the specific terms of Herefordshire’s participation in the general asylum dispersal scheme, to a maximum of 40 individuals at any time, and extend the resettlement of refugees families, from the existing pledge of 60 to a maximum of 95 individuals.

1.    To decline to join the general asylum dispersal scheme voluntarily. This is not recommended because this could lead ministers to use their powers to compel Herefordshire to participate in the scheme, potentially leading to higher numbers and reduced discretion and control over the programme.

2.    To decline to resettle any further refugees. This option would have no immediate implications for the council. However, on balance it is not recommended because agreeing to take more refugees may reflect well on Herefordshire and carries no tangible economic or community risk for the council. Declining further refugees would also limit the potential for further integration of Syrian and asylum seeker families into their local communities.