A POLICY which ensures people who host refugees will not lose their single person council tax discount has been welcomed by councillors and activists.

Last month, when the budget for the coming financial year was passed, the council voted to continue the policy – which was rolled out in late 2017 – and promised to extended it to other householders for a maximum of three months.

It means that if an individual chooses to give sanctuary to a refugee, they will not lose their single person council tax discount.

Councillor Russell Holland, the cabinet member for finance and commercialisation, was thrilled to

“I am pleased that the local authority is working with central government to uphold the centuries old British and English tradition of providing shelter to those fleeing war and persecution elsewhere.

“The scheme to allow up to three months’ protection of a single person’s Council Tax benefit when offering lodging to a refugee with permission was only ever intended to cover a small number of cases. Since the policy was adopted, one refugee and one single person have benefited.”

When an asylum seeker is granted Leave to Remain in the UK, there is only a very short window between hearing the news and losing the modest financial provided by the government.

But thanks to the ‘Room for All’ hosting scheme set up by the Swindon City of Sanctuary group, a network of host families and individuals stand ready to open their doors for short periods to help these new refugees through their transition to living securely.

Natalie North, hosting co-ordinator at the City of Sanctuary, fully supported the council’s policy.

She said: “I think it’s fantastic that the council has agreed to do this. It shows that they care and that they are supporting the people who really need it.

“It also means that more people are able to open their doors and host refugees because it will not mean they are financially affected in quite the same way.”

Paul Dixon, Labour councillor for Eastcott, also lent his support to the scheme.

He said: “This is a brilliant initiative and we certainly want to see it continue.

“It will provide people with a cushion for the transition period once they get Leave to Remain and will give them a degree of stability as they find their own accommodation and start earning.

“We have a moral obligation to help disadvantaged people.”