Afghan refugees who left home when the Taliban took control of their country will be welcomed to East Renfrewshire.
The council’s cabinet approved offering support for up to six families but the Home Office was criticised for being “slow” to house people. Private rented and social housing homes will be offered to families now that East Renfrewshire has agreed to take part in the Afghan relocation and resettlement schemes.
Funding will be provided by the UK Government for three years and the Home Office will match families to placements offered by the council. A council official said the families would get the “full range of support required”. This includes help to access schools, GPs and Job Centre appointments.
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He added: “As an aside it’s maybe worth noting the UK Government has been slow in matching suitable families to potential properties within our area. We will start accommodating families once we can identify the families through the matching process.”
A report by council officials stated: “Those who have not yet been settled are living in holding hotel accommodation and it is vital that more permanent solutions are found in order for the individuals to start a new life in the UK.”
The UK Government has requested support from councils to help Afghans who fled their homes when the Taliban regained control of most of the country after UK and US troops withdrew. It committed to resettling up to 20,000 Afghans in the long-term, with 5,000 in the first year.
Council leader Tony Buchanan, SNP, said: “I know, as we did with the Syrian, and indeed with Ukrainian families, we are working hard to ensure we can provide safety within our area.
He added: “We need the Home Office to step up and deliver for us and all we can do is ensure we have the measures and the support in place.”
Cllr Colm Merrick, SNP, said it was “absolutely disgraceful” how long the Home Office has taken. “It’s just a ridiculous way to treat any human beings.”
Council officials said finding homes for Afghan families had been “challenging”. “Owing to the demand on the council’s housing stock, the most suitable proposal is using private rented accommodation.”
Four families will be offered private rented homes while Barrhead Housing Association is working with the Scottish Refugee Council and will provide two properties. All other Scottish councils have committed to accommodating refugees.
Officials reported: “Some councils, particularly those with larger numbers of available council house stock, have already received families. However, the matching process has been slow and the Home Office is continuing to work through a backlog.”
