Landlords need more support if they are to help house fleeing Ukrainians, according to the National Residential Landlords Association.
Following the Home Secretary’s announcement that 100,000 extra refugees will be allowed to come to the UK, chief executive Ben Beadle says it’s right that the country provides all the support needed to those fleeing the conflict.
“We urge all private landlords to consider what accommodation they might have available to house those who want to come here,” adds Beadle (pictured).
“To assist with this, it is vital that the government swiftly provides details as to how landlords can easily register properties that might be suitable for those who need homes.”
In answer to a question about what the government was going to do about a lack of accommodation for refugees and asylum seekers, Home Office minister Kevin Foster told the Commons: “We are certainly concerned about the lack of suitable accommodation across the United Kingdom in terms of dispersal areas, which is why we are keen to sign up new areas to become dispersal areas.”
Priti Patel said it had lowered various requirements and salary thresholds so that refugees could be supported.
“Where family members of British nationals do not meet the usual eligibility criteria but pass security checks, UK Visas and Immigration will give them permission to enter the UK outside the rules for 12 months and is prioritising all applications to give British nationals and any person settled in the UK the ability to bring over their immediate Ukrainian family members.”
She added that the government was enabling Ukrainian nationals already in the UK to switch free of charge into a points-based immigration route or to the family visa route.
“We are extending visas for Ukraine temporary workers in some sectors, and they can now stay until at least December 2022.”
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