Key information
Request reference number: MGLA110821-0388
Date of response:
Summary of request
You requested:
I am seeking information regarding the Afghan Locally Employed Staff Relocation Scheme.
I would be grateful if you could provide me with the following information:
1. Have you been asked to take part in the Scheme?
2. Have you agreed to take part in the Scheme?
If you have agreed to take part in the Scheme, please provide me with the following information:
3. How many:
a) individuals;
b) households have you committed to relocating?
4. How many:
a) individuals;
b) households have you relocated to date?
5. Of those who you have committed to relocating, how many are currently residing in temporary accommodation?
If possible, please provide a breakdown of the types of temporary accommodation being used (e.g. MOD houses).
6. How many:
a) 1-bedroom;
b) 2-bedroom;
c) 3-bedroom;
d) 4-bedroom or more, houses/flats have you agreed to provide?
7. Do you currently provide English for Speakers of Other languages (ESOL) support for speakers of Farsi and/or Pashto?
8. Are you commissioning support through a specialist organisation (e.g. Refugee Council)?
9. What engagement have you undertaken with existing Afghan families in your local authority area who have previously taken part in the Scheme?
Our response is as follows:
In response to the first part of your request (1 and 2), the Greater London Authority is not directly involved in the delivery of the scheme, i.e. welcoming families under the Afghan Locally Employed Staff Relocation Scheme. Families are resettled by local authorities and the GLA has no authority to make a pledge itself or on behalf of London local authorities. The GLA’s involvement in the scheme is strategic rather than delivery. As part of the London Strategic Migration Partnership, GLA officers have been working to coordinate offers of support and brief local authorities about the Afghan Locally Employed Staff Relocation Scheme to encourage their participation.
The GLA does not hold information in scope of parts 3-9 of your request. In the capital this information would be held by London’s local authorities (the Borough councils, the City of London and Westminster City Council).
Regarding question 7, the Mayor, through the Adult Education Budget (AEB), funds ESOL provision delivered by AEB providers but we do not provide any direct ESOL provision and there is no central data that logs the languages learners speak other than English.
If you have any further questions relating to this matter, please contact me, quoting the reference MGLA110821-0388.