East Dunbartonshire is ready and willing to support those affected by the current humanitarian crisis Council Leader Rhondda Geekie has confirmed.
There was confirmation of cross party support at tonight’s Policy and Resources Committee and agreement to a joint approach in responding to the crisis at the Community Planning Partnership Board earlier today.
Following these meetings the Council Leader said, “We have been involved in the recent national discussions through COSLA, the umbrella organisation for Scottish local authorities and welcome the measures being put in place by the national Task Group that has been established by the First Minister.”
“We also recognise that many local people are keen to offer their support and donate to help those affected by the crisis and we would encourage them to do so through international charities such as The British Red Cross who are experienced in international aid and crisis support.”
The Scottish Refugee Council has been involved in the national discussions to date and their website also provides details on how best to support this crisis: www.scottishrefugeecouncil.org.uk
Councillor Geekie continued, “The Council and our Community Planning Partners are willing to play our part alongside other councils in Scotland in responding to this crisis – the scale of which means that we and other local councils can only assist with the support of the UK and Scottish Governments and we are awaiting further detail on this.
“Until that detail is available, we will continue to engage in the national discussions. The national Task Force is also developing an online resource on how the public can best help this situation and as soon as that is available we will promote it throughout the area.”
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Date: Tuesday 15 September 2015