Issue details
To accommodate in the range of 7 to 15 households across the borough from the British Forces Afghan Relocation and Assistance scheme during 2021/22
This is an update to the commitment made in the Cabinet Member decision dated the 19th August 2021 which refers to accommodating 7 households through the scheme. However following positive interest from the private sector in Cheltenham, Cheltenham Borough Council feels able to increase this offer to enable more families fleeing Afghanistan to settle within the borough.
Four households have been rehoused in Cheltenham using 2 bed flats from Cheltenham Borough Council’s housing stock and the remaining properties will be sourced from the private rented sector.
It should be noted that some flexibility will be required on exact numbers but it is anticipated that this will be a minimum of 7 households and a maximum of 15 households, depending on the ongoing interest from the private rented sector. At present, we anticipate approximately 10 households will be provided accommodation within the borough as part of this initiative.
This will contribute to the countywide commitment to rehouse 35 households across Gloucestershire.
Decision type: Key
Reason Key: Affects more than 1 ward;
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Notice of proposed decision first published: 30/11/2021
Decision due: 29 Nov 2021 by Cabinet Member for Housing
Lead member: Councillor Mike Collins, Cabinet Member for Cyber, Regeneration and Commercial Income cllr.mike.collins@cheltenham.gov.uk
Contact: Caroline Sutcliffe 01242 264171 Email: [email protected].
Consultation process
Cheltenham Borough Homes Housing Options Service are supportive of the increase in numbers proposed (this service is responsible for administering initial enquiries from private landlords).
GARAS (Gloucestershire Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers) have also confirmed they can provide the support required in the integration package such as providing advice and assistance covering employment, welfare benefits, housing, health, education and utility supply, registration with GPs and local Job Centre Plus including receipt of a National Insurance Number.
Decisions