The move follows the announcement by the Home Office on 1 September that those coming to the UK through resettlement routes (including Afghans who worked closely with the British military and UK Government in Afghanistan) will receive immediate indefinite leave to remain.

As well as sourcing suitable housing to accommodate around 100 people identified through the government’s Afghan Relocation Assistance Policy (ARAP) scheme, Warwick District Council’s housing team will be working alongside Warwickshire County Council, public health and community groups to prepare for a safe and smooth integration for those resettling here. At the same time, Stratford-on-Avon District Council has been working to identify privately rented self-contained accommodation for up to 25 families and is encouraging local landlords to get in touch if they have a property to let.

Warwick District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Homes, Health and Wellbeing, Councillor Jan Matecki said:

“As a child from a displaced family the situation faced in the past weeks by those fleeing Afghanistan is very close to my heart. My parents were amongst the lucky ones who benefited from the generosity of this country at the end of the Second World War when as Polish nationals they found themselves in a situation when they had no home to return to. I am therefore proud that our Council is now going the extra mile to support and provide a safe and welcoming home to as many families and individuals from Afghanistan as possible.”

Councillor Jo Barker, Stratford-on-Avon’s Homes, Health and Wellbeing Portfolio Holder added:

“What is happening in Afghanistan is both shocking and heart-breaking and the situation facing these families is frightening. We are working with partners to do all we can to offer the help and support these families need. Refugees coming to Britain feel safer here than they do almost anywhere else, and I know that if I was in their situation, I would hope there would be a nation who would take me in.  It’s also amazing to see so many willing volunteers who want to help.”

Local landlords with a property to let can contact Stratford District Council at socialinclusion@stratford-dc.gov.uk