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

Cabinet members backed the decision of council leader Cllr Ellen ap Gwynn last month to assist the UK Government’s resettlement scheme as the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan put Afghan nationals at increasing risk.

Cllr ap Gwynn said at a meeting this morning that a call had gone out for any private sector accommodation that was available with eight options put forward for assessment, two of which are considered appropriate.

At least two families will be accepted for support in Ceredigion, using the systems already in place from the last five years helping refugees from Syria, which Cllr Alun Williams reminded cabinet had been very successful.

Cllr Williams, cabinet member for Porth Cynnal, said Ceredigion was the first county in Wales to volunteer to support those fleeing Syria with around 50 people resettled and “it’s right that the council should play a similar part in helping people from Afghanistan as well”.

Cabinet also heard that while seeking private accommodation suitable for refugees a property that could be used to support homeless people in the county as well, which was said to be a “win win benefit from this,” by corporate lead officer Alun Williams.

Cabinet heard that following the appeal, eight properties across Ceredigion were offered by property owners. The council’s housing team carried out assessments on these properties and identified two that match the guidelines.

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.

Cllr ap Gwynn, who is chair of the Ceredigion Refugee Resettlement Group, said: “The situation in Afghanistan has developed into a humanitarian crisis and 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.”

For more information on the support to resettle Afghan nationals through the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy, visit: https://homeofficemedia.blog.gov.uk/2021/08/16/factsheet-uk-support-to-resettle-afghan-nationals/

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 the council’s contact centre on 01545 570881 or [email protected] and ask for the refugee resettlement co-ordinator.