We are replying to your request information on the inquiry in to the Refugees and asylum seekers.

Our main issue is around the fact that our board agreed to provide up to 10 houses for the Syrian refugees as a way of supporting the initiative.

I am aware that Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council is concentrating on supporting the refugees by providing private rented accommodation. This is not a criticism in any way or form, but we feel that there is likely to be better support and advice provided if they were placed in housing association stock.

The other issue is that we work with Focal Point which is a lottery funded scheme based in Merthyr that has provided extra support to the Syrians but the money allocated to running this advice service will terminate in September 2017. I would argue that help and support needs to continue for more than the initial 12 months and the voluntary services such as Focal Point need to be adequately resourced.