United Kingdom Resettlement Scheme (UKRS)
The UK Resettlement Scheme (UKRS) started in March 2021. Its purpose is to settle vulnerable Refugees in need of protection from regions affected by conflict and instability across the globe.
The scheme is run in partnership with the United Nations High Commissioner (UNHCR). The UK supports the UNHCR’s global effort to relieve the humanitarian crisis through the provision of resettlement opportunities for vulnerable people who have registered with the UNHCR and where resettlement is considered necessary. Find out more about UNHCR on their website.
Would you consider letting your property to a refugee family?
Cherwell District Council are looking for private landlords with properties that can be let for a minimum of 12 months at a reasonable rent level.
Properties must be of a suitable standard to let and must have floor coverings and window dressings (blinds or curtains).
The property will be subject to an inspection by the Council’s Housing Standards Team.
What benefits are there for landlords?
- Assistance with letting your property
- 12 months’ rent paid in advance
- A non-returnable finder’s fee of £1,000
- We will give the tenant the deposit equivalent to 10 weeks which must be protected under DPS
- An opportunity to apply for home improvement grants from the council to improve or refurbish the property
- Ongoing advice and assistance on a range of issues including managing the tenancy, landlord’s rights and responsibilities, energy efficiency, etc.
- Tenants will receive a dedicated package of support for a minimum of 12 months:
- To support with language and translation
- To look after and manage the tenancy
- To resettle successfully
What do I need to do?
You will need to provide details about the property including:
- Address
- Size of the property (Number of bedrooms)
- When the property will be available
- Rent to be charged
- A current and valid Gas Safety Certificate and Energy Performance Certificate.
- A current EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report)
- A Landlord Insurance Certificate
- Evidence of a Deposit Protection Scheme
If you are interested in making a property available to the scheme please contact us at resettlement.team@cherwell-dc.gov.uk
Integration Support for UKRS
For how this scheme is funded by the Home Office please refer to the UKRS funding instructions
This is ringfenced funding which the Council cannot use for other purposes. Council Tax money is not used and activities funded by the integration fund for UKRS families and individuals does not detract from the delivery of the Council’s other services.
The activities funded using the integration fund enables a saving to the taxpayer over the long-term by reducing the future demand from Refugees for support from other public services, enables employment opportunities and well-being by removing barriers.
These activities are not unique to Cherwell: councils across the UK are doing similar integration work, at the request of the UK government, from the same grant funding.