Afghan families find new homes in West Berkshire
Three families have been rehomed under a scheme to help those who assisted British forces
Three Afghan families have now been given homes by West Berkshire Council.
They have moved in to privately rented, furnished accommodation.
They have been given a fixed tenancy, support with school admissions, access to health care, financial aid and employment training and assistance.
They have been housed under the Government’s Afghan Locally Employed Staff (LES) Relocation Scheme.
They will also receive indefinite leave to remain, ensuring that they can settle permanently and continue to build their lives and future in the UK.
The scheme has been put in place to protect the human rights of Afghan Locally Employed Staff who have supported British Forces deployed in Afghanistan.
As part of the scheme, local authorities have been asked to support the relocation of Afghan families and West Berkshire Council pledged to take part in July.
West Berkshire Council leader Lynne Doherty (Con, Speen) said:
“Locally Employed Staff in Afghanistan have served our country and supported our troops, often facing and working in very dangerous conditions for both them and their family, and deserve our support to relocate to a country where they can rebuild their lives and remain safe.”
She said the district would consider taking in more families, but that would be dependent on more accommodation becoming available.