Special achievement award for Ashford Borough Council to celebrate pioneering work in welcoming Syrian refugees
Press release
15 October 2018
Ashford Borough Council has been singled out for a special achievement award in recognition of its unrivalled commitment to welcoming and resettling Syrian refugees.
The Ashford team responsible for the resettlement of Syrian refugees was honoured at the annual Kent Housing Group and Joint Policy and Planning Board Excellence Awards. The awards celebrate outstanding individuals, teams or projects who have gone that ‘extra mile' to ensure excellent service for communities across Kent and Medway.
Three years ago, Ashford pledged to receive up to 250 refugees over the five years of the Government's national Syrian Vulnerable Person Resettlement Programme. It was one of the first to respond and worked closely with the UNHCR and the Home Office, who have previously commended Ashford's excellent handling of the intake of refugees.
Today, 21 Syrian families, totalling 98 refugees, call Ashford home and have been grateful for the overwhelmingly positive response from the communities in which they have settled.
Speaking at the ceremony in Maidstone on 19th September, Cllr Gerry Clarkson, Leader of Ashford Borough Council, said the authority was humbled to receive the Outstanding Achievement in Housing award, adding: "The Syrian refugee families have been welcomed and embraced by the community. Huge praise must go to the council staff who have worked so hard to ensure that so much good has come from this initiative."
Ashford Borough Council Chief Executive Tracey Kerly said: "I am very proud of such committed staff who are dedicated in their roles to deliver excellent services to some of the most vulnerable people in our communities."
Cllr Gerald White, Ashford Borough Council's portfolio holder for housing, congratulated all those honoured, adding: "Success in the awards demonstrates how astute local authorities can deliver high-quality homes and services despite unrelenting pressures on budgets."
ENDS
Notes for editors
High res image available
Photo caption:
The Ashford Borough Council team at the awards - from L-R, Sylvia Garde, Esme Ervine, Julie Stalker, Cllr Gerry Clarkson, former Syrian refugee Ola Albomani, Chief Executive Tracey Kerly, Christy Holden from KCC, Rebecca Wilcox, Anne Forbes and Mark James
Kent Housing Group also has affiliated representation from the Homes and Communities Agency and when required other partner agencies. The Kent Joint Policy and Planning Board (JPPB) for Housing is a strategic partnership between health, housing and social care. The Board incorporates representation from all 12 Kent local housing authorities, Kent County Council Health and Social Care, Kent Commissioning Services, Kent Public Health and Kent and Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust and Kent Surrey & Sussex Community Rehabilitation Company.
For more information contact:
Darren Laws
Public relations
Issued on behalf of Ashford Borough Council
Tel: 01634 671167
Darren.laws@zesttheagency.com
www.ashford.gov.uk