London mayor Sadiq Khan has extended his new Right to Buy-back fund to allow the city’s councils and housing associations to house Afghan refugees.   

The Mayor’s office says under the scheme local councils can buy homes to resettle families arriving from Afghanistan, while housing associations are encouraged to apply for funding for suitable “family-sized homes” to be delivered quickly.

The government has confirmed plans to resettle 5,000 Afghan nationals who are “at risk due to the current crisis” in its first year.

Khan launched the fund last month to help councils and council-owned housing companies purchase homes that will then be let at social rent levels or used as accommodation for homeless families. 

It helps London boroughs to buy back former council homes from the private sector.

The Mayor says: “It has been devastating to watch the crisis unfold in Afghanistan and I’m determined to do everything in my power to support those escaping the country.

“London has a proud history of providing sanctuary to those in need and by working together we can help these refugees find a welcoming home in our city.

“That’s why I’m inviting borough councils to use my Right to Buy-back fund to acquire homes for refugees, as well as Londoners in housing need, and am urging housing associations to bid for funding to secure homes for these families.

“I will continue to call on ministers to provide the further support needed to help them secure their long-term future in our city.”

Richmond, Camden, Ealing, Hackney, Hammersmith & Fulham, Kingston, Lambeth, Islington and Lewisham are among the London boroughs reported to have offered to take in refugees from Afghanistan.

However, the Evening Standard, reports that London Councils, the local government association for Greater London, has told its local authorities “details of the scheme are still to be confirmed”, with several outstanding questions yet to be clarified. 

These questions surround whether these arrivals will be granted permanent leave to remain and the right to work, and how far in advance councils will know about family sizes and extra support needed. 

The Ministry of Defence says the UK has evacuated almost 7,000 Afghan individuals and their families out of Kabul.