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Kingston Council calls for more private landlords to help resettle Syrian refugees (18 October 2016)

Date: 18/10/2016
Duncan Lewis, Legal News Solicitors, Kingston Council calls for more private landlords to help resettle Syrian refugees

Kingston Council has resettled a second family of Syrian refugees in the borough, after a campaign to find private landlords with suitable accommodation for refugees.

The council is now asking for more landlords with private accommodation to come forward with self-contained properties suitable for refugees. So far, under the Home Office-funded Vulnerable Person’s Relocation Scheme, eight Syrian refugees have been resettled in Kingston.

The council says that competitive rents are offered 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 caseworker –
the landlord premium and caseworker costs are funded by the Home Office scheme.

Leader of Kingston Council, Councillor Kevin Davis, said:

“We could not have done this without the support of our community and partners.

“From helping to find and secure properties, to joining us in preparing the home for the arriving family, it’s effort like this from volunteers that has helped this initiative to work.

“I’m hugely proud of Kingston for taking part in this scheme.

“Our first family joined us in March and have settled into Kingston well –
they’re learning the language, volunteering locally, keen to find paid work and enjoying all our borough has to offer.

“I’m sure that our second family will follow in their footsteps and will contribute positively to life in Kingston.

“It’s important to say that we are appealing to private landlords to help with this scheme, rather than using our council housing stock.

“Finding homes which match the Home Office’s criteria isn’t easy – but I’m confident that, together with the community, we can find homes for those in need.”

In order to qualify for the funding, homes need to be self-contained and available to rent for at least a 12-month period. More information is available from Kingston Council

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 – which include being victims of torture or violence, women and girls at risk, and those with physical or medical needs.

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