FUNDS have been secured by Teignbridge District Council, through the Government’s Local Authority Housing Fund (LAHF), to buy 18 homes across Teignbridge for families who have fled war and conflict in their own countries.

The announcement by the council comes on Ukraine Independence Day (August 24). The council says it's in the final stages of purchasing the homes to provide housing to Ukrainian refugees who cannot remain in sponsorship and are at risk of homelessness, along with providing homes to Afghan families who are currently in bridging hotels.

The properties range from one-bedroomed flats to four-bedroomed houses located within Newton Abbot and surrounding areas and either newly built or purchased through the open market.

The Government’s Local Authority Housing Fund provides support to local authorities to help them provide accommodation to families who cannot remain in sponsorship and are at risk of becoming homeless.

It will reduce extra pressures on local housing and homelessness services so they can continue to provide for domestic households with housing needs.

After initial use, the housing will create a lasting legacy for local communities by providing a new and permanent supply of accommodation to help address local housing and homelessness pressures across the Teignbridge district.

Councillor Lin Goodman-Bradbury, Executive Member for Housing, said: 'We’re really pleased to have secured this government funding that will provide immediate help to families who have fled war and conflict in their own countries, and reduce pressures on our Housing Need and Homelessness services so that we can continue to support local residents with their housing needs.

'The response to the Homes for Ukraine scheme was overwhelming, and many Teignbridge communities came forward to host individuals and families in their own homes.

'These properties, many of which are brand new, will give families at risk of homelessness the independence, space and privacy. It’s also the chance for them to integrate with the local community and play a part in community life.

'It’s an investment that we simply couldn’t have afforded to make in this current economic climate, so we are really delighted that we’ve been successful in securing the funding to purchase these fantastic homes through this scheme and about the difference they will make to people’s lives.”'