Welcome Refugees to South Hams

Welcome refugees to South Hams

The Totnes Liberal Democrats are calling upon South Hams District Council to come forward and offer a welcome and temporary accommodation in the area to some of those Syrian refugees the government is planning to take from camps bordering Syria.

John Birch, speaking on behalf of the Totnes Liberal Democrats, says:

"South Hams has within its district one of the largest proportion of second homes in the UK, with over 4,000 in number and forming over 10% of the housing stock. Most of these homes are empty during the winter and we propose that the council and government encourage the second homes owners to make their properties available to Syrian refugees in the short term whilst permanent arrangements are made.

"Encouragement to the second home owners could be in the form of a short term letting fee or rent paid by the government out of its overseas aid budget.

"South Hams District Council should also encourage the owners of other empty buildings within the area to make their premises available as temporary accommodation for the refugees. Examples of such empty propertiesare those owned by the Dartington Trustouse estateHhhh. I feel confident that the Trust,as a charity, will be willing to reach out and help the refugees by offering theirunused accommodation in this emergency."

Contact: John Birch

Tel: 01803840259

Mobile: 07974243352

Email: j.birch@btinternet.com