Cumberland Council has secured 12 properties, for up to 55 people, to house Afghan refugees.
Councillor Lisa Brown (Currock, Labour), the deputy leader and portfolio holder for governance and thriving communities, will give a progress report to her fellow councillors on Tuesday.
Previously the Government announced the closure of all temporary accommodation – called Afghan Bridging Hotels – in the country with occupants given 60 days’ notice to leave.
In her statement Cllr Brown said: “Cumberland Resettlement Service has worked with several housing partners and private landlords to secure appropriate housing to meet the needs of families who are at risk of becoming homeless.
“To date we have secured 12 properties across Cumberland which will allow a maximum capacity of 55 individuals from bridging hotels with 29 of these already rehoused and currently receiving direct support from the team.
“Alongside the regular Resettlement Fund of £20,500 per individual, the Home Office have introduced the Flexible Housing Fund which equates to £7,100 per individual.
“This has enabled us to secure larger properties by making financial agreements with private landlords, such as paying for shortfalls between Local Housing Allowance and rental rates, allowing us to meet the current demands for larger families who are struggling to be placed out of the bridging hotels.
“Occupants of the Afghan Bridging Hotels can claim local connection if a family member or friend lives in an area where they wish to live.
“We have had approaches direct through this route but instead of presenting to the homeless team we have been able to provide properties to accommodate through our normal routes.
“We continue to deliver a minimum of six months early help as part of the integration plans. During this time many of the Afghan families who have resettled in Cumberland are eager to enrol on training opportunities and we are seeing new arrivals securing employment within short time frames.”
Tuesday’s public meeting of Cumberland Council will take place in the Cathedral Room in the Civic Centre in Carlisle from 1pm.
