Reigate and Banstead council is appealing to private landlords with vacant, or soon-to-be vacant, two, three or four-bedroom homes for rent.

The council has pledged to accommodate and support three Afghan refugee families who assisted British forces and had to flee their homes in Afghanistan. 

It has been working closely with local partners and the voluntary sector; however, as yet, it has been unsuccessful in securing suitable homes for these families to start their new life in the borough.

A council spokesperson says: “These Afghan families put themselves at risk to help our UK Armed Forces and now it’s our turn to help them to start a new life in our community in safety.

“We are urgently looking for properties for three families. Although we had an initial flurry of offers when we announced we would be taking part in the relocation scheme, unfortunately none of these have come to fruition or proved suitable.

“So, if you have a two, three and four bedroom self-contained property in good lettable condition in the borough and that ideally has good transport links, please contact us. In return the council will offer a package to landlords which includes rent in advance plus a deposit, funded by the Government. 

“Experienced council staff will support landlords and tenants through the process of resettlement, provide ongoing support for the tenancy and help them find employment through our existing Refugee Support service.

“We are not using properties intended for local families in housing need to rehouse refugees, which is why we are making this wider appeal to private landlords that can assist this small cohort.”