Rhondda Cynon Taf Council to support Afghan Resettlement Scheme

Rhondda Cynon Taf Council will support a scheme to resettle Afghans fleeing from the Taliban.

In a statement the council said it will back the national Afghan Resettlement and Assistance Programme which is relocating families that helped British forces in Afghanistan to the UK.

The support for the Home Office scheme comes as many Afghans try to leave the country after the Taliban recently took control of the country.

The idea is that a handful of families will be relocated to each council area under the scheme.

The UK is set to offer sanctuary to 20,000 Afghan refugees and Wales’ First Minister Mark Drakeford has said Welsh Government is working with the Home Office and councils on preparations to support those who need it.

An RCT Council spokesman said: “The recent events that are continuing to unfold in Afghanistan are devastating and as a county borough we will do what we can to help those that are fleeing from hostile and unsafe environments.

“The council believes this is the right thing to do, and with other councils across Wales and the UK playing their part, this equates to a handful of families relocated to each council area.

“We urge all councils across the UK to take part in the Afghan Resettlement and Assistance Programme to make sure those who have helped support British forces and protect our national interests abroad are given the protection they deserve, and supported equitably across the UK.

“We are aware that the distressing events in Afghanistan are likely to be affecting our local armed forces community, and would remind those affected that the council’s Armed Forces Veteran Service is available to offer free help and support – more information is available at www.rctcbc.gov.uk/ArmedForces.”