Private landlords and property owners are being asked to help Wealden play its part in answering the desperate need of vulnerable Syrian refugees.—Wealden District Council, 13 June 2017
Alongside all the other local authorities, Wealden District Council is looking to provide homes for Syrian refugees and their families currently living in unsuitable housing conditions in Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey and Egypt.
Two refugee families have already successfully settled in Wealden but more properties are needed to help Wealden meet its aim of providing homes for up to 40 Syrian refugees over the next five years.
“We are looking for self-contained privately rented properties with reasonable public transport links so that these families can start to rebuild their lives which, through no fault of their own, have been shattered by six years of civil war,” said Graham Wells, Wealden Cabinet member for Housing.
“With the good will of the people of Wealden and help from our partners across East Sussex, I am sure we will be able to provide the support that is needed.”
Children, their parents and grandparents have been among those families already settled in East Sussex, but there are other vulnerable families waiting for us to help them. We are asking private landlords to come forward with offers of accommodation.
Properties must be of family size with exclusive use of kitchen and bathroom facilities , available for at least 12 months and within, or very close to, local housing allowance rates. The Council will provide help and advice to the landlord. A programme of support is in place to help the refugees, many of whom come from professional backgrounds. Landlords who are already helping with the scheme up and down the country have described it as a rewarding experience.
If you are an owner or landlord with property to let in Wealden, or you know of someone who is, please contact Gemma Forshaw, Housing Options and Strategy Manager on 01323 443267 or email gemma.forshaw@wealden.gov.uk
If you would like to offer other goods, services or support to refugees in Wealden, please go to https://www.gov.uk/help-refugees.
