PLANS to re-settle a Syrian refugee family in Cardigan were expected to be rubber-stamped by members of Ceredigion County Council’s Cabinet yesterday morning.

It followed last month’s recommendation by the Overview and Scrutiny Co-ordinating Committee that Croeso Teifi – the community group behind the move – should be allowed to apply for Home Office permission.

Councillors were told that Croeso Teifi had a commitment to rent accommodation to the refugees for at least two years. Three properties have been inspected by environmental health officers – one a new build and two more requiring some work.

Identifying the project’s strengths, the report stated that Croeso Teifi had made links with the local community, such as the town council, county councillors, churches, chapels and Cardigan Islamic Centre.

However, officers also conceded that, as a voluntary group with little experience, it was “highly likely” that the group would need ongoing support during the initial stages.

“There are fewer Muslims and people from ethnic minorities living in Cardigan than in our university towns, making their arrival more obvious to those that are welcoming and unwelcoming,” the report continued.

Recent welfare reforms have introduced a benefit cap of £20,000 per year for families with children.

The Home Office says Croeso Teifi will need funding of at least £9,000 to ensure adequate financial resources to support a re-settled family.

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