Could you Rent a Room to a Refugee? We are sharing a new idea from Penrith and Eden Refugee Network (PERN) who are spearheading a new scheme to support refugees in the early stages of settling locally.
From April 2022, people seeking asylum began arriving in Cumbria for the first time. There are now around 350 people living in hotels in Carlisle. They are not allowed to work or to access universal credit, and live in limbo while the Home Office assesses their claim for refugee status, a process which can take months or years. Some have put down roots in the community and it is heartbreaking when they are moved on by the Home Office, sometimes with just a couple of hours’ notice and we have heard of recent examples of exactly this.
Thankfully, some others are now receiving their refugee status, a special moment of joy and relief, allowing them to work and start to build a life. Refugees have the right to work and can access any necessary benefits including housing benefit.
For a new refugee, comes the reality of 28 days’ notice to find their own place to live. Some, having had good experience of living in Carlisle, want to remain local.
PERN’s new scheme will introduce people with a spare room to new refugees; and will carry out checks on both parties and provide info and other advice, signposting and support. This is not a Government scheme but rather is using the tried and tested method of simply, renting a room in your home to a lodger. The government allows people to earn up to £7500 tax free for this.
The refugees are single people, who would lodge in local homes, paying a basic rent for a room, but with “excluded tenancy’” rights. Refugees already have links with larger areas so the scheme is primarily for people who live in Carlisle or Penrith, or somewhere on a regular public transport route. PERN have provided info in the below briefing pack and will hold an online info session in early/mid-August.
To register interest or find out more, email hello@pern.org.uk
Please don’t hesitate to ask them questions
>> BRIEFING PACK <<
