Refugees still need homes - another council seeks landlord help

Epsom & Ewell council is the latest to seek private landlords’ help to house five households of Afghan refugees fleeing the crisis in that country. 

The council is asking private landlords with vacant, or soon-to-be vacant, three or four-bedroom family homes for rent in the borough, to contact the Epsom & Ewell Refugee Network here.

Councillor Alex Coley says: “Our thoughts are with the Afghan people who have been forced to flee their homes and now face an uncertain future. These Afghan families have put themselves at risk for the UK and now it’s the UK’s turn to help them resettle in our communities. We’re now looking for properties in which families can be housed and start to build a new life in Epsom and Ewell."

The required properties need to be self-contained, in good condition, located within the borough and have good transport links. In return the council will offer a package to landlords which includes rent in advance plus a deposit. The council will also provide wrap round support to help the family resettle in the area, manage their tenancy and help them find employment.

A government scheme funds local authorities for refugees. The scheme supports the families to settle in their new community, including placing the children in local schools.

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