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Appeal to landlords - Far-flung council wants homes for refugees

Orkney Council wants private landlords who hold family accommodation to come forward if they would be suitable for Afghan families.

Councillors recently gave support to Afghan households by finding two private rental properties as part of the UK-wide resettlement programme.

The council wants to hear from registered private landlords, or anyone considering becoming a registered private landlord, with suitable family properties on the Orkney Mainland – ideally Kirkwall or Stromness due to the additional support networks being more readily accessible – to get in touch.

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Council spokesperson Frances Troup says: “We have had one very kind offer from a landlord within the private sector already who wished to help an Afghan household but, unfortunately, the property was only one bedroom and while we do not have the specific details as yet, we are planning for suitable homes for families, ideally with a garden.

“The families concerned are already in the UK and are currently in bridging hotels while waiting for an offer of accommodation. The project concerned is humanitarian in nature and the last few months have seen the situation change and develop quite swiftly. 

“All Councils in Scotland have been asked, through CoSLA (Convention of Scottish Local Authorities), whether they could assist with resettling some Afghan households.

“A funding package has been put in place to assist with this process and our understanding is that additional costs can be sought where there is an evidenced need.”

 

Councillor Gwenda Shearer adds: “These are, without question, families who will have been through an incredibly difficult time and may have witnessed horrors that no one should. 

“Orkney is renowned for its caring and compassionate nature so we are hopeful that we will be able to source suitable homes for these households who deserve a period of stability in their lives.”

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    And one day they just might show similar urgency for the families here already struggling to get a home.

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