INVERCLYDE is set to become an official dispersal area for refugees coming from countries like Syria.
Council bosses are working on a plan which would see the district able to accept more families, doubling the number rehomed here over the next four years to 44.
Senior municipal buildings bosses have met with Home Office officials to discuss setting up the scheme and clearing practical obstacles to it.
The Tele recently met a Syrian family, pictured, who have settled in the area and heard how they felt they had been welcomed with open arms by local people.
In a new report to councillors on the talks with the UK Government, Brian Moore, director of the health and social care partnership, said: “Discussions included the positive benefits of dispersal for Inverclyde including the transformation of the demographic profile of the area, providing a young and growing population, and the boost to cultural diversity, creating a more cosmopolitan local authority.
“However, concerns were raised with the Home Office regarding the current procurement and service providers; potential numbers; the lack of funding available; potential impacts on the homelessness service and the process for asylum seekers whose application to remain in the UK is unsuccessful.”
The council has already committed to support the resettlement of 12 Afghan families and 10 Syrian families. To date 19 families have moved here, 12 from Afghanistan and seven from Syria, a total of 37 adults and 39 children ranging from one month to 13 years old, with the scheme considered to be a success.
The council has stated that its involvement in any extension of this would be dependent on a government guarantee that a property firm named Orchard and Shipman, who have been linked to a number of controversies, will have no involvement in finding homes for people here.
Mr Moore’s report said: “The council have requested that Orchard and Shipman have no involvement in Inverclyde and that Serco would deal directly with local registered social landlords. 
“The Home Office has agreed to this and they would establish an Inverclyde procurement group to look at local proposals for accommodating in particular areas.”
Councillors will be asked to approve plans to expand Inverclyde’s involvement in the resettlement of refugees.
The council is also considering becoming involved in the resettlement of unaccompanied children.