Theresa May
Enough local authority places to resettle 20,000 Syrian refugees over the next four years have now been secured, the home secretary has said.
Amber Rudd said the UK was on track to deliver the promise made by former PM David Cameron to resettle 20,000 Syrian refugees by 2020.
A total of £10m has also been pledged for language tuition to help refugees integrate, the Home Office said.
So far about 2,800 Syrians have arrived in the UK, latest figures suggest.
‘Immense goodwill’
The fighting between Syrian government forces, opposition rebel groups and so-called Islamic State militants has caused 4.5 million Syrians to flee their homes, according to the UN refugee agency.
“Securing the 20,000 pledges within 12 months is testament to the immense goodwill and generosity of the British people and the effort and determination of local authorities across the UK.
“We are on track and delivering our commitment to help the most vulnerable Syrians displaced by the conflict,” Ms Rudd said.
The additional funding for English language training will mean all adults arriving through the scheme will receive an extra 12 hours a week of tuition, for up to six months, the Home Office said.
A spokesman for the Local Government Association, which represents more than 300 councils in England and Wales, said the focus must now be on ensuring Syrian families are matched to the right placements.
“Councils will be helping to support some of the most vulnerable families fleeing Syria who will need ongoing support from health and social care services to cope with injuries, disabilities and to recover from the severe trauma they have experienced,” he said.