“WE’RE READY to get on with it,” says council leader John Halsall over plans to welcome Ukrainian refugees to Wokingham.
The borough has been busy over the past few weeks preparing for an unknown number of people fleeing the European country, following Putin’s decision to declare war on his neighbouring country.
Details from the government are still being worked out, but the Cllr Halsall says that the council has deployed officers to the task in the same way that they supported vulnerable residents during the early stages of the covid pandemic.
As well as helping residents prepare their homes, under the government’s Homes For Ukraine scheme, the council team are looking at all aspects of life that Ukrainians settling in Wokingham will need help with, including education, childcare, employment, community support, and health needs.
“We’re mobilising all the officers to welcome the refugees and make sure they’re safe, secure and happy,” he said. “That’s not as easily said and done because Ukraine is getting destroyed.
“The assumption that this would be a short-term stay is a ludicrous one, it’s a huge project to try and make happen.
“I’m remarkably lucky, I’m sitting at the top, heading a really good council, with really good officers who are really responsible and capable of meeting the challenges, which are huge.
“We’ll meet them, because we have to.”
He warned: “There are huge, huge ramifications of this war, and it will stretch the council and officers to almost to a breaking point. We won’t – we will rise to the challenge, and make it work.”
That includes drawing on the experience of officers to ensure that safeguarding measures are in place to help protect the vulnerable.
“We’ve got to make sure we’re doing everything we possible can to make the refugees we get feel welcome and secure.
“We’ve also got to look after existing residents who are expecting a continuation of services, and our existing substantial Ukrainian and Russian communities. We must make sure that nobody’s prejudiced by what’s going on, and what we’re doing is the best it can possibly be.”
Unlike Reading Borough Council, Wokingham will not be organising an appeal to residents at this time, instead hoping to cover costs from council resources, grants and support from the government.
Cllr Halsall said that he also welcomed the support the council had received so far, from schools, doctors, teachers and the voluntary sector.
“All of whom have expressed the same welcome, and their will to participate in what we’re doing to the fullest extent, which is really encouraging. I’m really grateful.”
Wokingham Borough Council has set up a special webpage for residents to track its support. It can be viewed at: www.wokingham.gov.uk/our-support-for-ukraine
