Council to help Afghan families fleeing persecution

The Council has pledged to work with the private sector and housing associations to relocate at least two Afghan families to suitable housing in the Harborough district in October.

Harborough District Council’s Cabinet agreed on Monday 6 September 2021, to support the Government’s Afghan Relocation Scheme, which will see local authorities across the UK work together to find suitable accommodation for refugees facing persecution, and possible death, in their homeland, as US and British Forces withdraw from Afghanistan.

The Afghan Relocation Scheme is fully funded by Government, with Charnwood Borough Council acting as a lead for Leicestershire districts and boroughs to coordinate support.

Cllr Phil King, Leader of the Council, said: “The situation in Afghanistan is deeply concerning which is why, as a Council, we want to join others in helping some of those families, in real danger, who are fleeing the grip of the Taliban. Whilst it can be challenging to source accommodation, we are liaising with a variety of housing providers in the social and private sector to find suitable, available properties.”

The Government has launched a portal for pledges of offers of homes to accommodate people arriving from Afghanistan.

Find out more on the Council website at www.harborough.gov.uk/afghan-refugees