Arun District Council has set out its position on housing allocations linked to the Government’s Afghan resettlement programme after public questions over how the scheme is being handled locally.
The statement comes as housing availability, temporary accommodation and waiting lists remain sensitive issues across Bognor Regis, Arun and wider West Sussex.
In a public statement, Arun District Council responded to recent commentary about housing allocation linked to the national resettlement programme.
The authority says the scheme supports individuals and families who directly assisted the UK, including people who worked alongside or supported His Majesty’s Armed Forces and Government operations overseas.
The local issue is how homes identified through the programme sit alongside the council’s existing responsibilities to residents already in housing need, including those on the housing register or in temporary accommodation.
What has been confirmed
Arun District Council says a small number of properties are identified to support eligible Afghan households under the scheme.
Those allocations, according to the authority, are made in line with national guidance and strict criteria. Arun also says they do not replace or override its existing housing obligations to local residents.
The statement says the majority of homes becoming available through the programme will continue to support local families in housing need.
Arun says it remains committed to prioritising residents on the housing register, including those in temporary accommodation or facing homelessness.
The statement does not confirm the exact number of properties involved. It also does not name specific locations for the homes, and does not state whether any are in Bognor Regis.
That leaves some local questions unanswered, particularly for residents following housing demand, temporary accommodation pressure and property use across the district.
Further local authority coverage is available through updates in Bognor.news Local.
Funding and unanswered details
Arun District Council says the Afghan resettlement scheme is supported through central government funding, specifically allocated for resettlement, including housing and integration costs.
According to Arun, that funding must be used for that purpose and cannot be diverted elsewhere. The authority also says the scheme is not funded through Council Tax and does not reduce funding available for local services.
Arun District Council says it would be acquiring property assets at approximately 45% of their market value, which the authority describes as providing value for money.
The current stage is described by the council as the fourth phase of a nationally delivered programme, rather than a new local initiative.
Housing allocation is a sensitive subject in any district where demand is high. In this case, the confirmed points are that Arun says a small number of properties are involved, local housing duties remain in place, and the funding is from central government rather than Council Tax.
The main gaps are the number of properties, their locations and whether further council reports will provide more detail about the local arrangements.
Arun District Council says it has a zero-tolerance approach to discriminatory or racially motivated activity and is working with partner agencies to ensure residents can feel safe.
Further detail may come through future council reports, meeting papers or housing updates setting out how the programme is being delivered locally.
