Derbyshire is to take part in a government-funded scheme to relocate Afghan nationals eligible to come to the UK. 

As the county’s involvement is dependent on a supply of suitable properties to house families, the county council say it is working with district and borough councils - including High Peak - to identify accommodation.  

DCC’s Cabinet Member for Health and Communities, Councillor Carol Hart, said: “We’re all too aware of the scenes in Afghanistan over the past few weeks, with people desperate to get out of the country. 

“In Derbyshire we stand ready to do our bit to help those who helped our armed forces. 

“We are working with colleagues in the district and borough councils to find suitable housing.” 

As properties are identified they will be checked to ensure they meet the needs of the Afghan families.  

Once this has been verified, it will then be a matter of waiting for the Home Office to allocate families to the properties before the resettlement process can begin.  

Councils taking part in the scheme, funded by the Government, are being asked to: 

• Make reception arrangements upon arrival 
• Provide accommodation  
• Provide a package of advice and assistance including employment, welfare benefits, housing, health, education, and utility supply.  
• Help with registration with GPs and local Job Centre Plus including receipt of a National Insurance Number. 
• Help to secure school places for school aged children.  
• Provide cash support whilst benefit applications are being processed 

DCC is expected to be able to welcome the first family in the near future. 

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