We would like to say thank you to local residents who have responded to its appeal for accommodation for Afghan refugees.

We have received a number of accommodation offers, both in and around the Torbay area since it reached out last week. The appeal followed central government’s plea to local authorities to assist in finding emergency housing for Afghan families coming into the UK.

Our Housing team are following up on all enquiries that have been received. Over the coming days, they will be contacting owners to determine the suitability of the properties, based on a set of criteria provided by the government.

Offers of properties that fall outside of the Torbay area have been passed on to our neighbouring local authorities who will be contacting the owners directly.

We have also received offers of rooms within resident’s homes which we are unable to accept at this time. Whilst we are grateful for this generosity, the requirement at this time is for entire properties that have 2 or more bedrooms meaning they are suitable for family use.

Cllr Christine Carter, Cabinet Member for Corporate and Community Services said; "The response to the call out for properties that we have received from the public so far has been really encouraging and we are contacting all those that have come forward with the offer of accommodation.  At the moment, we have been asked to only put forward entire properties, but we are truly appreciative of all those who have been in contact offering rooms within their own homes as a safe place for Afghanis coming into the UK.”

We are still urging anyone who has a property available to come forward and contact the team at community.safetyadmin@torbay.gov.uk.