Peterborough City Council to buy more homes to rehouse refugees

Councillor John Howard says the houses are vital for families individuals and vulnerable populations

A council will buy 15 new homes for refugees by the end of the month.

The properties will add to the 25 homes bought by Peterborough City Council last year as part of its refugee resettlement scheme.

The scheme has been aimed at people who fled Afghanistan after the Taliban's offensive in 2021 and Ukraine following Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. 

Councillor John Howard said the homes were "vital" and more than just "bricks and mortar".

The scheme has been funded by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities' (DLUHC) local authority housing fund.

The council will use some of the money from the fund to refurbish the properties it has bought.

The city council said that support would be available for refugees that have been resettled in Peterborough under the national schemes.

This included help with opening a bank account, accessing health and social care services and education, learning English and gaining qualifications in order to work.

Advice would also be offered on how to integrate into the UK and specifically Peterborough, the council added.

The council said the households would be responsible for paying rent and bills on the properties.

It added that part of the funds from the DLUHC would also go towards buying 25 one-bedroom homes for rough sleepers with multiple and complex needs.

At a cabinet meeting on Monday, Mr Howard, the council's deputy leader and cabinet member for corporate government and finance, said: "These funds serve as a lifeline and empower us to address critical challenges and elevate the quality of life for our residents.

"The dwellings are more than bricks and mortar, but are vital for safe homes for families, individuals and vulnerable populations."