Wealden Appeals For Help Housing Afghan Personnel Under Threat After UK Troop Withdrawal

Wealden District Council is in "desperate" need for properties in which to rehouse Afghan personnel who were employed by UK armed forces before their withdrawal.

The UK government has already said it understands former colleagues of British forces may now be in danger, given the changing nature of power and social structure in Afghanistan.

Ministers have already put in place the Afghan Resettlement Scheme, and Wealden District Council has appealed to landlords who may be able to let properties to families covered by the programme.

The local authority has announced it urgently requires three or four bedroom properties to rent in the private rented sector, ideally within one of Wealden's five main towns.

In return, the council promised a support package to ensure that rental payments are always made and other tenancy conditions are met.

The family will also receive support from the authority, including help with accessing employment.

Cllr. Ray Cade, responsible for housing and benefits, said:

“We are in debt to those who had the courage to help our troops in Afghanistan and they deserve to have access to living accommodation in a safe, community orientated environment.

“Wealden is just the place to offer this, and so I am very pleased to be supporting this scheme.

"I urge any landlords with vacant properties to come forward and contact us.

"You can be assured you will receive the support you need from our dedicated Housing Team.”

The council said information for landlords is available from Nicola Levett, the Housing Policy, Involvement and Standards Lead on 07985 811975 or by email: [email protected].