A number of refugees from Afghanistan could be about to start a new life in Stamford and Rutland.

The local council's preparing to work with neighbouring councils to arrange relocations.

Author: Greg DeanPublished 14th Sep 2021
Last updated 14th Sep 2021

Rutland council's preparing to welcome a number of refugees from Afghanistan.

It's understood they'll work with neighbouring councils.

The move's recommended in a report for a meeting of the council's cabinet

next week.

It's not yet clear how many people will be sent here - or where they'll be housed.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has called on all Local Authorities to offer accommodation and support, as the situation in Afghanistan deteriorates every day.

It hopes to relocate all families that are known to the military for providing vital services by the end of September.

Local Authorities have been asked to support the Government’s efforts to work at pace to relocate around 3000 people (600 families) across the country.

“Rutland County Council is committed to doing everything it can to ensure the safety of interpreters and other locally employed staff who risked their lives supporting British forces in Afghanistan. We have a long history of ties to the armed forces and supporting asylum seekers here in Rutland, and we recognise the debt of gratitude we owe to these people. We are working proactively with our partner agencies to find solutions to issues such as local housing capacity in order to help these people safely through this unimaginable situation.” Mark Andrews, Chief Executive of Rutland County Council

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