The Leader of East Hampshire District Council, Cllr ferris Cowper, has released a press statement regarding the Syrian Refugee Crisis:

"EHDC warmly welcomes the Prime Minister’s humanitarian commitment to accept refugees from the Syrian conflict and the EU role to try and allocate such a vast number of these victims throughout the territories of the European Union.

"EHDC will do all it can to assist, within the limits of the housing, health, education and social care infrastructure we have locally. I anticipate that we will offer financial assistance to voluntary groups who wish to organise relief supplies. The existing District Councillor Devolved Grant fund is ideal for this purpose.

"Every district councillor has the newly increased budget of £4,500 per year to spend with suitable local charities and local voluntary groups. I believe that this local management of funds will ensure the most appropriate response. In the event that this proves insufficient we can consider the larger Cabinet Approved Grant fund in exceptional circumstances."

Currently the council is awaiting further direction from Central Government, in particular the Home Office, which is leading nationally on the response.

The council will not be required to house refugees in East Hampshire under its homelessness duty and has not been approached to host any.

It is not aware of any plans to relocate refugees to East Hampshire.

People who want to support the refugees through volunteering or donating can see a very helpful Government summary on what you can do to help: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/syria-refugees-what-you-can-do-to-help--2