The Head of Housing and
Community Services introduced the report and noted that changes had
been made since the report was published, including the removal of
the requirement for applicants under the Afghan LES scheme to
satisfy the Habitual Residency Test. An additional scheme had been
announced, the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS) which was
not included within this report. The majority of those accommodated
would require a three- or four-bed property and the first four-bed
unit would be available soon, subject to Committee
approval.
In response to questions, the
Head of Housing and Community Services confirmed that the Home
Office had not requested a specific number of units to be provided
by each local authority, and that as any housing provided would be
in addition to the usual provision, there would not be an impact on
homelessness provision. Five units would be a realistic number to
deliver.
The Committee suggested to aim
for six units to be acquired in order to
be aspirational.
RESOLVED: That
1.
The approach to acquiring private rented
accommodation to support Afghan Locally Employed Staff under the
government’s Afghan Relocation and Assistance Policy be
approved; and
2.
A target of six units be set for acquisition by the
Council to assist with the Afghan Relocation and Assistance
Policy.