Winchester preparing to offer help to asylum-seekers
Our housing team is exploring options to offer housing for refugees if we are asked to do so by Government, including making use of properties that the Council is currently marketing for sale and vacant hostel accommodation as well as housing managed by other landlords.
Winchester City Council stands ready to respond to the immediate plight of asylum-seekers fleeing from Syria.
The Council will support Government in whatever practical ways it can to continue Britain’s long history of helping and protecting vulnerable groups.
Cllr Stephen Godfrey, the Leader of Winchester City Council, said: “
We are waiting to hear what Government is asking of local authorities, but we are already gearing up to work with colleagues at Hampshire County Council, registered housing providers and private landlords.
Cllr Godfrey added:
Our housing team is exploring options to offer housing for refugees if we are asked to do so by Government, including making use of properties that the Council is currently marketing for sale and vacant hostel accommodation as well as housing managed by other landlords.
A Portfolio Holder announcement on Winchester’s response will be made at this week’s Cabinet meeting (Wednesday 9 September).