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Kingston Council is appealing for more private sector landlords to come forward with properties suitable for families who have fled conflict in Syria.

The UK government has said it will accept up to 20,000 Syrian refugees by 2020, taking refugees directly from camps along the Syrian border and focusing on the most vulnerable refugees, such as families, the elderly, unaccompanied children, and those with chronic health problems or disabilities.

The first Syrian family has been resettled in Kingston as part of the Government’s Vulnerable Persons Relocation Scheme, after a local landlord came forward to offer a suitable property. The council said the young family was among some of the most vulnerable displaced Syrians identified by the UN, which is working alongside the Home Office.

The council says private sector landlords will be offered competitive rents within Local Housing Allowance Rates – and, in addition, a landlord premium is paid in advance.

Refugees housed through the scheme will be supported by a Refugee Action Kingston caseworker and a housing caseworker, arranged by the council and funded by the Home Office.

In order to qualify for the funding, homes need to be self-contained and available to rent for at least a 12-month rental period.

Leader of Kingston Council, Councillor Kevin Davis, said:

“The disastrous situation in Syria has created a refugee crisis of biblical proportions.

“Kingston cannot solve that problem alone, but we can express our open and humanitarian nature by taking families who are in the most need.

“I am proud that, today, Kingston has received its first such family – and I am hopeful that others will come forward with offers of homes they wish to rent to Kingston Council to take more such families.

“The UK government is asking every area to do what they can to help on humanitarian grounds.

“I am pleased that Kingston continues to play our part of being a responsible member of the international community.”

The funding for relocations is being provided through the Home Office’s Vulnerable Person's Relocation Scheme.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees identifies Syrian refugees to be put forward for the relocation scheme. They are screened for security and assessed to meet the criteria, including being victims of torture or violence, women and girls at risk, and having physical or medical needs.

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