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London to provide housing for Afghan refugees with new Right to Buy-back fund

London-afghaninstan-resettlement
© The Chuqur Studio

London is set to launch a new Right to Buy-back fund that will help councils buy homes to resettle afghan families. 

Announcing the new measure this week, the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, set out the new plans to assist councils with Afghan refugees. 

Having provided sanctuary to thousands of refugees over the years, London has traditionally been a strong supporter of helping resettle people fleeing conflict and persecution. 

London councils will be able to submit bids to access the new Right to Buy-back fund that will be opening council homes for purchase. Family homes will be prioritised in the programme that coincides with the Government’s announcement it would resettle up to 20,000 Afghan refugees.

Following the UK’s last flight out of Afghanistan today, Afghan refugees will be urgently needing new homes to get on their feet. London among other UK cities will be stepping up to assist in the national effort. 

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “It has been devastating to watch the crisis unfold in Afghanistan and I’m determined to do everything in my power to support those escaping the country.

“London has a proud history of providing sanctuary to those in need and by working together we can help these refugees find a welcoming home in our city.

“That’s why I’m inviting borough councils to use my Right to Buy-back fund to acquire homes for refugees, as well as Londoners in housing need, and am urging housing associations to bid for funding to secure homes for these families. I will continue to call on Ministers to provide the further support needed to help them secure their long-term future in our city.”