DORSET'S Syrian Resettlement Programme will see the arrival of up to eight families in the county before the end of the year.

After agreeing in June that officers proactively progress the resettlement of the families, Dorset County Council's Cabinet were eager to receive an update at their meeting on Wednesday. (sept 28)

The updated report said that since June much activity has taken place to coordinate a potential offer to the Home Office along with districts and boroughs, Dorset Police, health partners and the voluntary and community sector.

Cllr Robin Cook, Cabinet member for organisational development and transformation, said: "Dorset is taking its share of Syrian refugees. We are going to welcome two families in the first arrival who are expected to come sometime in November.

"We are expecting to take around six to eight families. It doesn't seem a lot but we are involved in this and we are doing our bit. It's a complex process. There is some funding available from the government, whether that is going to be enough, we don't know at this stage. Other areas who are involved have said that is it adequate.

"We don't know where they will be based yet but it is likely they will be spread across Dorset."

Cabinet members were informed that the first 40 per cent of funding available to the local authority can be applied for on the day of arrival and the remaining funding will be paid in arrears in months four and eight after the families arrive in Dorset.

The report highlighted that, in particular, officers have been working with the Dorset Councils Partnership to identify suitable accommodation and have also been in communication with schools regarding availability and additional needs.

Officers have further been in discussion with Dorset Race Equality Council about supporting a community engagement event to promote the positive aspects of refugees and asylum seekers.

The report added that children and adults that come to Dorset will be very vulnerable and there will be cultural sensitivities and therefore officers are enquiring whether training can be provided to volunteers by an organisation with experience such as the Red Cross.

Dorset could be expected to take up to 54 Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children (UASC) during the lift of this parliament, including those that arrive in the county spontaneously.

Deborah Croney said: "Dorset isn't standing alone on providing support to refugees. Within the south west region there is a very coordinated specialist group who are able to sign post and provide support to areas involved."