A significant cross-government effort is underway to ensure Afghans arriving in the UK receive the vital support they need to rebuild their lives, find work, pursue education and integrate into their local communities.
Dubbed ‘Operation Warm Welcome’, those coming to the UK through resettlement routes will receive immediate indefinite leave to remain and Afghans who worked closely with the British military and UK Government in Afghanistan, and risked their lives in doing so, can now stay in the UK without any time restrictions.
People already relocated to the UK under the Afghanistan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) will be able to apply free of charge to convert their temporary leave into indefinite leave.
To give children and young adults the best start in life the government is making at least £12 million available to prioritise additional school places so children can be enrolled as soon as possible, and to provide school transport, specialist teachers and English language support to assist with learning.
Further funding will be provided for up to 300 undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships for Afghans at UK universities and adults will also be able to access English language courses free of charge.
Families who need support navigating the system will also have access to liaison officers who can work with local authorities to help them get set up with a GP, National Insurance number, school place, accommodation and more tailored support, as required.
This is in addition to £3 million of additional NHS funding so that Afghans arriving under the ARAP scheme can access healthcare and register with a GP once they leave quarantine, and all arrivals being offered the coronavirus vaccine. The government has also pledged £5 million for councils in England, Wales and Scotland to support Afghans coming to the UK via the ARAP scheme and provide a top up to help meet the costs of renting properties.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “We owe an immense debt to those who worked with the Armed Forces in Afghanistan and I am determined that we give them and their families the support they need to rebuild their lives here in the UK. I know this will be an incredibly daunting time, but I hope they will take heart from the wave of support and generosity already expressed by the British public.”
Following last week's local elections, the political proportionality of the Local Government Association (LGA) has been confirmed.
A £25 million road refurbishment programme is set to begin, funding 22 projects across Wales’ strategic road network.
The mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, is to announce that City Hall is considering releasing part of London’s green belt to enable development.
The Welsh government have announced a £31.5 million boost for nine local authorities to help deliver projects such as Y Storfa in Swansea, the Queen’s Market in Rhyl and the demolition of Newport Leisure Centre.
A new coalition made up of City Hall, Government, local councils, the London Fire Brigade and regulatory bodies will lead vital work to end London&
Quality is everything, value is essential, and service is priceless.
We’re an industry-leading trade supplier of quality outdoor and indoor furniture, offering unrivalled care and service for our customers. LeisureBench was established in 2001, and we have grown into one of the country’s leading suppliers of outdoor products.
Following a period of remarkable growth and momentum, Safety, Health and Wellbeing Live is making a powerful move—relocating its southern edition to the iconic London Olympia on 18–19 June 2025.
Housing 2025 is coming to Manchester Central on 24-26 June. Welcoming everyone in the housing and wider living sector under one roof, As the only place the whole UK housing sector comes together every year, it is where the sector will discuss and collaborate, identify solutions and speak with one voice to those framing the debate.
In January 2025, the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology announced a new ‘AI Opportunities Action Plan’ to encourage an increase in AI adoption across the UK. What will the Government’s plans for AI mean for local authority teams? How will emerging technologies affect environmental health services in the future?
At Words of World, we specialise in professional translation and interpreting, d
Experience and unforgettable 1 hour journey through maritime history and breathtaking landscapes.
This year's Safety & Security Event Series drew a crowd of 56,115 professionals to Birmingham's NEC
For those involved in debt recovery, supporting engagement is critical, not just to resolve outstanding debts, but to protect vulnerable citizens, improve financial resilience, and uphold trust in public services. In this article, the CSA's head of policy, Daniel Spenceley explores why overcoming disengagement is so crucial, what barriers remain, and how collective action, including better financial education and tackling online misinformation, can create a more supportive environment for those in financial difficulty.
