Two suitable private sector homes have been found by Ceredigion County Council to support families fleeing Afghanistan.

At Tuesday's Cabinet meeting, members approved to offer relocation to the families of at least two Afghan Locally Employed Staff (LES).

Councillor Ellen ap Gwynn, Leader of Ceredigion County Council and Chair of the Ceredigion Refugee Resettlement Group, said: “The situation in Afghanistan has developed into a humanitarian crisis.

"It is our duty to respond and offer support to those affected. Our thoughts are with those affected by the conflict, including veterans, the people of Afghanistan, and those that are fleeing in fear of their lives.

"We are extremely grateful to the property owners in Ceredigion who’ve offered their properties; the generosity and kindness of our residents is something to be very proud of.”

The UK Government had written wrote to all Locally Authority Leaders and Chief Executives on 30 July, requesting support to welcome Afghan LES families to their home authorities.

This group of Afghan nationals, have worked for the UK and risked their lives alongside British forces in Afghanistan, and are now at risk of the Taliban who have taken control of the country.

Ceredigion County Council signed up to the UKG scheme, and a public appeal was made to Ceredigion property owners to help identify any self-contained properties in the private rental sector that may be suitable.

"Following the appeal, eight properties across Ceredigion were offered by property owners," said a Ceredigion County Council statement.

"The council’s Housing Team carried out assessments on these properties and identified two that match the guidelines set out by the UKG. 

"Also as a result of this appeal, the Housing Team identified a property that can be used to house individual residents of Ceredigion who are homeless."

The Council expects the Afghan families to arrive in Ceredigion in a matter of weeks, and they will be supported by the Council and its partner agencies to assist them with the resettlement process.

Owners of self-contained accommodation in Ceredigion who may be interested in supporting this scheme can still get in touch with our Contact Centre on 01545 570881 or clic@ceredigion.gov.uk and ask for the Refugee Resettlement Coordinator.