Herefordshire is an inclusive county and has welcomed 95 refugees through resettlement programmes since late 2016. From 2020, the council has had to defer implementing its commitment to resettle more refugees, owing largely to Covid19. However the final withdrawal of UK forces from Afghanistan and the unfolding situation amid humanitarian concerns has led to the council rapidly reviewing the options for resettling refugees.

The government has announced two resettlement schemes; the afghan citizen’s resettlement scheme (ACRS) and the ARAP scheme, which is for Afghan people who have been employed supporting UK forces and agencies. The two schemes are now closely aligned and are supported by the same comprehensive financial package. People on both schemes will be awarded refugee status and five years leave to remain, giving them all the rights of UK citizens.

The council has received significant offers of support from key partners including but not limited to: the CCG, NHS Trusts, police, housing, voluntary and community sector agencies.

Herefordshire’s larger stockholding housing providers are offering properties suitable for refugee families, when they become available from their existing social and affordable stock or new development schemes. Suitable properties will generally be able to accommodate a family of four or larger. Properties will be reserved by the council to ensure they are available at the time of arrivals.

The council must submit an offer of accommodation and support to the Home Office by Thursday 23 September. It is likely that an offer made to the Home Office from Herefordshire will focus on one or more of Ledbury, Hereford City or Leominster areas. A support and orientation service will be commissioned from a specialist provider and mobilised rapidly, subject to a separate record of officer decision.

A communications approach for Afghan refugee resettlement is being prepared in conjunction with the Communications Team, to guide all external and internal communications as resettlement develops.