Bedford Borough Council is asking landlords to get in touch if they have any empty properties available to let in the coming weeks.
The Council, along with local authorities around the country, will be looking to support and resettle those who have fled Afghanistan through the Government’s Afghanistan Citizens’ Resettlement Scheme.
To do this, there is a need for local houses – particularly those with three bedrooms or more – to accommodate families that have had to flee. While Bedford Borough Council does not hold any housing stock, it is putting out this call to landlords across the Borough.
These properties will need to be in good condition, ready for people to move in within the next few weeks, and landlords can expect to receive market rent.
Mayor Dave Hodgson said: “I am proud that we were among the first local authorities in the country to respond to the Government’s original request in early June, to help with the relocation of Afghan nationals who had been employed by British forces in Afghanistan.
“Already eight Afghan nationals who have helped our country and would have been in danger if they stayed in Afghanistan as forces withdraw have been resettled in Bedford Borough and we expect more in the coming weeks.
“I know our Borough will open its arms to these people who have had to flee their country and their homes. We have already had so many offers of spare rooms in people’s houses and other support. With whole families expected to arrive there is an urgent need for whole properties.
“So if you have a property to let that is sitting empty, please get in touch via operationwelcome@bedford.gov.uk”
