Issue - meetings

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.