The need to accommodate Afghan citizens fleeing the Taliban has prompted Dorset Council to urge private landlords and owners of second homes in Swanage and across the county to come forward, if they can offer suitable homes.
The takeover of Afghanistan by the Taliban has prompted a mass evacuation of Afghan citizens and the UK government has pledged to relocate eligible families and keep them safe, following their service to UK troops and government.
Funded by central government
Along with other councils, Dorset Council is supporting the scheme, which is funded by central government.
Dorset Council says it will not use accommodation, such as social housing intended for Dorset families on the housing register or for people who are homeless.
It’s looking for a range of homes of varying sizes, particularly larger family homes that are available for at least 12 months. They also need to be self-contained properties as opposed to spare rooms or house shares.
“Heart-breaking and distressing events”
Councillor Graham Carr-Jones, Dorset Council’s portfolio holder for housing and community safety said:
“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.”
Work with property owners
Dorset Council says it will work with property owners on all aspects of setting up the tenancy and support the family to settle in when they arrive. There will be central government assistance for initial rent and deposits until the families are settled.
On arrival, families will have a caseworker to provide support to settle in to the home and the local area.
Contact Dorset Council
If you are a private landlord or own a second home and may be able to help with any of Dorset Council’s housing needs, please contact afghanfamilieshousing@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
