During a full Council meeting held virtually on Thursday, 3 March, Councillors gave their full backing of any necessary support to help people seeking refuge from Ukraine.
Councillor Ellen ap Gwynn, Ceredigion County Council’s Leader and the Chair of the Ceredigion Public Services Board`s Refugee Resettlement Group highlighted that Wales is a Nation of Sanctuary and that Ceredigion has been successful in providing a place to live for people who have previously had to flee their homes due to war in their countries such as Syria and Afghanistan.
This week, Ceredigion County Council illuminated both Canolfan Alun R. Edwards and the bandstand in Aberystwyth in yellow and blue lights to show support for the people of Ukraine.
Councillor Ellen ap Gwynn, stated: “We want to do all we can to support any UK and Welsh Government move to help Ukrainians who need sanctuary from the appalling state of war in their country. We here in Ceredigion will be happy to welcome them when we are called upon to do so.”
“I am also seeking assurance that the Council doesn’t have any contracts with Russian companies. In addition, the Wales Pension Partnership and the LGPs, which the Dyfed Pension Fund is part of, has confirmed that it is divesting its investments from Russian Investments.”
It was agreed in principle by the full council that, if any Welsh Government announcements on aid are made during the pre-election period, Council officers will act on behalf of the Council to ensure preparations are in place to provide support.
The pre-election period starts on 18 March where councillors will not be able to make decisions on Council operations until after the local elections held on 5 May.
Councillor Ellen ap Gwynn also reiterated a message given to Local Authority leaders from Jane Hutt MS Minister for Social Justice earlier on this week in regards to aid donations: “People wishing to donate, to help with the Ukraine appeal, should do so as a financial donation through the appropriate channels, such as the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC). This is the preferred option rather than by making physical donations of goods as these can cause logistical issues.”
More information on how you can help and support the people of Ukraine can be found here: https://gov.wales/supporting-people-ukraine
03/03/2022