Issue - meetings

This report seeks to inform decision making on the Council’s participation in the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme.

The Committee considered a report from the Housing Strategy and Policy Manager which sought approval to participate in the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme. The Committee were advised this scheme would extend on the previously approved Afghan Relocation Policy, and it was recommended that three households be pledged to the scheme if the Committee approved participation, increasing the total combined pledge to eight households. A financial package would be offered by the Home Office to authorities that would cover the cost of the scheme.

The Committee noted that the guidance for the scheme had been set by the Home Office. The Committee debated whether incentives should be provided to landlords to encourage them to take on refugees as tenants. It was explained the scheme would guarantee landlords market level rent for two years, after which the support would end. *The Chair suggested that Marta looked into further incentives for landlords to encourage them to take on refugees as tenants. [*Amended by Community Wellbeing and Housing Committee 17/01/2023] Funding would be paid directly to public sector partners involved in the scheme rather than being paid to the individuals themselves.

The Committee resolved that the Council should participate in the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme and to pledge three households.