Local authority leaders in London have warned of a ‘severe shortage’ of long-term housing options for refugees from Afghanistan.
In a report on the resettlement of Afghan refugees one year on from the evacuation of Afghanistan, London Councils acknowledged the support for refugees organised by boroughs, such as enrolling Afghan evacuee children in schools, arranging translation services, and co-ordinating health and care provision.
However, the cross-party group also flagged concerns about the shortage of long-term housing options for evacuees in the capital, which has resulted in significant numbers remaining in London hotels.
Cllr Claire Holland, London Councils’ executive member for communities, said: ‘Events thousands of miles away in Afghanistan prompted a swift response from local authorities in the capital, as boroughs played a pivotal role in welcoming Afghan evacuees to the UK.
‘One year on, there’s a huge amount of success for London to be proud of. In extremely challenging circumstances, boroughs moved quickly to co-ordinate local support for thousands of Afghans seeking sanctuary here. Alongside our partners in voluntary and community groups, at City Hall, and in the government, we’re pleased to see so many of the evacuees building new lives for themselves as Londoners.
‘But this is far from ‘mission complete’. We know too many Afghan evacuees are still living in hotels. It’s an unsustainable situation, especially for the many families with children we’re supporting.
‘Boroughs are very concerned by the lack of alternative housing options for these families – a particular challenge in the capital due to the chronic shortage of affordable housing here. London is already dealing with the most severe housing pressures and highest homelessness rates in the country.
‘Many Afghan evacuees will continue relying on local services for the foreseeable future. Considering the support boroughs are also providing Ukrainian arrivals and other refugees, there are worries about the on-going impact on local resources. We will keep working closely with the government on these issues and will do everything we can to ensure the resettlement programmes succeed.’
