Council leader examining how Oldham can help refugees

Oldham Council leader Arooj Shah

Oldham council are examining options to support refugees involved in the “heartbreaking” crisis in Afghanistan.

Council leader, Cllr Arooj Shah, said: “Our thoughts are with all those caught up in the crisis in Afghanistan – it’s heart-breaking to see.

“We are currently collaborating with authorities across Greater Manchester and with central Government, and are looking at various options in our borough so that we can support those in desperate need.

“Private rented landlords and social housing providers are being consulted to see what options we will have available, and our teams are coordinating with organisations such as Action Together and the Care4Calais effort to align our activities.

“We have been involved in the Afghanistan Relocations and Assistance Policy since 2015, providing accommodation and support to people who were ‘locally engaged’ and working for UK forces in Afghanistan.

"In February this year, we made a commitment to support a small number of households from Afghanistan, and we will be reviewing this commitment as the situation develops.

“No authorities from our region participated in the Syrian Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme; a decision made at a Greater Manchester level.

"There are, however, households from Syria and Afghanistan who have been placed in Oldham by the Home Office and continue to make Oldham their home.”

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