Councils prepare to accommodate citizens

Both Peterborough City and Cambridgeshire County councils are working to provide Afghan citizens support and are now looking to step up their efforts.

In June, all local authorities were contacted by the Government seeking support to resettle Afghan citizens and their families who have been working alongside British armed forces in recognition of the fact that their safety is threatened. Peterborough has confirmed back to government its intention to resettle families under this scheme and has been working to identify suitable housing and to make appropriate support arrangements. Cambridgeshire County Council has been engaging with each of its city and district council partners to offer them support – with education and social care – so they can do the same. Further discussions are also taking place about what more can be done in the light of the Government’s announcement that it will offer resettlement to around 20,000 Afghani people. The scheme offers Afghan citizens an option to resettle in this country with five years ‘Leave to Enter the UK’ status and a pathway to permanent resettlement. Many of those eligible under the scheme will, for example, have worked as military interpreters. Peterborough City Council is already running a similar scheme for Syrian refugees having resettled a number of families over the past few years. In this scheme, the council benefits from partnerships with organisations that support new residents with, for example, furnishings for their new homes, toys for their children, access to English language courses and volunteering opportunities.

“I am hoping all these features will be replicated for the Afghan scheme, “said Cllr Wayne Fitzgerald, leader of Peterborough City Council.

“The most critical element to the Afghan scheme is that we can identify and offer affordable housing, and the district councils are the local housing authorities. A number of districts have also confirmed their support to resettle Afghan families and we will support them wherever we can – for example, there may be a need for help or advice from social care or education colleagues,” added Cllr Elisa Meschini, deputy leader of Cambridgeshire County Council. Peterborough City Council has also reassured residents that homeless people in the city will continue to be supported when Peterborough helps to resettle Afghan citizens. Following the announcement, a number of people commented on The Peterborough Telegraph social media channels asking about what would happen to homeless residents in Peterborough. A Peterborough City Council spokesperson said: “Any support offered to refugees coming into our city will not impact the service and help we offer to Peterborough residents who are currently homeless. “The government scheme we have signed up to comes with at least 12 months of financial support per person. Final details of how this all will look and work for Peterborough are currently being confirmed.”