Afghanistan Policy Debate

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Department: Home Office
Monday 13th September 2021

(3 years, 1 month ago)

Commons Chamber
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Victoria Atkins Portrait Victoria Atkins
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Will the hon. Lady give me the privilege of perhaps speaking to me afterwards, because I have misunderstood her question? I do apologise.

Jane Hunt Portrait Jane Hunt (Loughborough) (Con)
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I thank my hon. Friend for this announcement. How will local authorities be supported in accommodating Afghan citizens, and how will the education system be supported, to help to facilitate the smooth transition of Afghan people into local communities throughout the UK?

Victoria Atkins Portrait Victoria Atkins
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We have today announced £20,520 per person over the next three years. This is because we want to enable local councils to front-load their integration support. We have, in addition, up to £4,000 per child for education and associated tariffs for medical care. We want to ensure that people are moving into their permanent accommodation as quickly as possible. This is where the call for volunteers from our local authorities must be made strongly. We need permanent housing in order to settle people as quickly as possible.