8th
Sep 2021
Dorset council has just launched an appeal for PRS landlords to let out properties to Afghan refugees who have just been airlifted from Kabul into the UK because they worked with our armed forces and allies before the Taliban took control of the country.
The Dorset authority has received government backing and funds to support the scheme to rehouse Afghan refugees – however it has no intention to use its social housing stock because it is for Dorset families already on the housing register and for the homeless.
The authority has turned its attentions to private landlords asking them to house the refugees in self-contained properties under the scheme.
The council is hoping for offers of a range of homes of varying sizes especially those which can accommodate families for at least one year.
The accommodation types must be self-contained flats or houses, house sharing or spare rooms will not be required under this scheme.
Dorset council’s portfolio holder for Housing and Community Safety councillor Graham Car-Jones, says: “Everyone will have seen the heart-breaking and distressing events currently unfolding in Afghanistan and Dorset council is supporting the government’s scheme to resettle eligible families safely in the UK.
“People are asking how they can help. The single thing we need right now is offers of suitable accommodation, but this needs to be balanced with existing high levels of demand for housing in our area.
“That’s why we are specifically looking for private landlords or owners of second homes to come forward rather than asking social housing providers.
“I am acutely aware of the demand for emergency accommodation for local families on our housing register and in temporary accommodation. I want to reassure people in this situation that they will not be disadvantaged by the work we are doing to help the government resettle Afghan families.”
Richard Merrick of PIMS,said:” It is a tumultuous time for the Afghan refugees who were in considerable danger of being persecuted or killed because of their work and links with the allied forces.
“Credit has to be given to the council for sticking to its promise of using social housing for the community and under the scheme private landlords will be guaranteed rental payments funded by the government – surely a Win-Win?”
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