24th
Apr 2016
The government has requested local councils to house Syrian Refugees and East Devon District Council has responded by asking landlords if they have suitable accommodation.
The priority resettlement group are Syrian families and the council is looking for properties with two or more bedrooms as being the most suitable.
Landlords must submit properties for consideration that are well maintained and either unfurnished or furnished ‘homes’ will be ideal; locations in either urban or county areas will be considered.
The council is intending to provide five year tenancy agreements and will manage the accepted properties, in effect acting as managing agents. The tenancy term is granted to resettled refugees as they are eligible for the five year’s humanitarian protection status
Rent will be the same as the council’s local housing allowance.
Any suitable accommodation recommended by the council will be ‘checked out’ by the government which will decide the appropriate ‘homes’ for the refugees.
Councillor Jill Elson, East Devon District Council’s portfolio holder for sustainable homes and communities, said: “We are keen to help support vulnerable refugees fleeing the Syrian crisis and we believe that the most effective way to do this is through targeted resettlement.
“Helping the refugees relocate is one of our priorities and we want to work closely with any landlords in East Devon who think they may be able to assist with this important scheme.
“We want to give refugees the best possible chance to make a new life for themselves and we look forward to working closely with the Vulnerable Peoples Resettlement programme team to ensure that this happens.”
Richard Merrick of PIMS, says: “The VPR will obviously be a national rollout initiative we already know of similar projects in Hull and Rochdale. It may be a good idea to enrol if asked, however in the true shape of things with the lack of housing, landlords may be able to command a higher price from more local tenants.”
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