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Councillors asked to support Government relocation programme of Afghan refugees.
Government request for support
Local councillors are being asked to urgently approve the provision of housing for Locally Employed Staff (LES) who worked for the UK and risked their lives alongside British troops in Afghanistan. The move comes in response to an urgent Government request to all councils to support the relocation of Afghan refugees following the fall of Kabul to the Taliban.
Epping Forest District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Housing, Councillor Holly Whitbread is asking councillors for support with an offer of 2 family-sized homes for the Government relocation programme. Other Essex councils are making similar offers while Essex County Council coordinates the local contribution to the national response.
Real fear for their lives
Councillor Holly Whitbread said:
As the situation evolved in Afghanistan, we looked on with shock and dismay. The UK’s Military Covenant provides that we take care of the men and women of the armed forces who place themselves in harm’s way for our protection.
It is clear that the moral obligation extends to the Afghan people who supported and worked with the British Army in Afghanistan and are now in real fear for their lives.
Our contribution is modest. However, by working as part of the national programme with all councils contributing according to their ability, our combined effort can make a significant difference.
Government funding channelled through Essex County Council (ECC) will make a significant contribution to the cost of supporting refugee families.
Seek to rebuild their lives
Councillor Holly Whitbread said:
Many of the people working for the British Army and associated agencies in Afghanistan are good English language speakers, although members of their families may not be. Many will have experienced trauma and loss.
All will receive support as they seek to rebuild their lives with the aid of the resettlement programme.
Report recommendations
Subject to no objections through the Council’s internal decision call-in process, Councillor Holly Whitbread’s report recommends:
- To actively support the British Government’s Afghan Relocation and Assistance Policy (ARAP) and welcome Afghan Locally Employed Staff (LES) who have worked for UK and risked their lives alongside British forces in Afghanistan, and are now relocating to the UK with their families following NATO’s decision to withdraw military forces from Afghanistan
- To work collaboratively with Essex County Council (ECC) to provide a co-ordinated response to the Government’s urgent appeal to assist with accommodation and support for approximately 3,000 affected adults and children by September 2021
- To offer 2 qualifying LES households fixed term tenancies of Council owned homes of a suitable size, on the understanding that ECC will administer the 12-month Government funded support to enable the households to integrate and become self-sufficient as soon as possible
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