What discussions has the Welsh Government had with the UK Government about the decision to house resettled Afghans in Rhoose?
The Afghan Resettlement Programme (ARP) brings together existing Afghan resettlement schemes into a single scheme. Decisions regarding transitional accommodation under the scheme are taken by the UK Government. These schemes are for Afghan citizens who assisted UK efforts in Afghanistan, and who either worked for or with the UK government, have been prioritised as vulnerable people, or certain individuals impacted by the data incident.
There are three main UK Government departments who are responsible for delivering different elements of the ARP, Home Office (HO), Ministry of Defence (MoD) and Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government (MHCLG). Further details on the scheme can be found here Afghan Resettlement Programme - GOV.UK
As is always the case with these schemes the Welsh Government will engage with the UK Government and any local authority where transitional accommodation sites are being procured by the UK Government. This includes the site in Rhoose where we have joined multi-agency calls to ensure community cohesion and support for integration are considered fully.