Wiltshire council is the latest to ask private landlords who have affordable homes which are ready to let, to get in touch about a programme to house Afghan families.

The council is one of many local authorities across the UK who have offered to provide homes to families who are fleeing Afghanistan.

Currently it is already in the process of welcoming three families to the county – a process underway before the Taliban took over Afghanistan, which is expected to prompt more demand for refugee homes in the county. 

Wiltshire is now asking private landlords who have affordable property or properties to send in the details by completing a survey detailing types of property available or using the government portal for housing offers. 

The council will then keep these details and be in touch if they are needed. 

Wiltshire council says it’s awaiting further guidance from government however it is the council’s intention to use affordable homes in the private rented sector or properties that are offered – as it did when support was offered to Syrian refugee families.

Some people have offered a room in their own homes, but the government has said that shared houses and general lodgings are not suitable.

Council leader Richard Clewer says: “We are asking private landlords that have a property which is ready to let to get in touch now so we can have the details to hand if they are needed and add them to the list we are already compiling. 

“We are waiting for the government to provide more information, however it will be helpful to know what can be made available. We are also talking to the Ministry of Defence about how we could support them using the significant number of empty MOD houses in the county as another option.”