The Welsh Conservatives have welcomed the generous funding package set out by the UK Conservative Government to support the resettlement of families who have come to the UK having been at risk in Afghanistan.
Councils who support people through the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS) or Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) scheme will receive £20,520 per person, over three years, for resettlement and integration costs.
Local councils and health partners who resettle families will also receive up to £4,500 per child for education, £850 to cover English language provision for adults requiring this support and £2,600 to cover healthcare.
Under the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme, the government has committed to resettling up to 20,000 Afghans, of which 5,000 will be resettled in the scheme’s first year. This is in addition to the ARAP scheme, which has already resettled thousands of Afghans who have worked with the UK Government, and their families.
Welsh Conservative Shadow Minister for Social Justice, Mark Isherwood MS, said:
“Britain has a proud track record of helping those in dire need, just like we did with the Syrian Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme.
“I’m proud of the gargantuan effort taking place across the whole of Wales to welcome people from Afghanistan.
“This new UK Government-led resettlement scheme will help to build a better, safer future for people who have supported our country in our time of need.
“The funding announcement will help the new arrivals to integrate and assimilate into British society, whilst making sure our councils are not left without the proper funding that’s needed.”