Teignbridge District Council is to buy 18 homes for Ukrainian and Afghan refugees with cash from the government's Local Authority Housing Fund.

The council said it is in the final stages of purchasing the homes, which will provide housing for Ukrainian refugees who cannot remain in sponsorship and are at risk of homelessness, as well as for Afghan families who are currently in bridging hotels.  

Cllr Lin Goodman-Bradbury (Lib Dem, Dawlish North East) said: "We're really pleased to have secured this government funding that will provide immediate help to families who have fled war and conflict in their own countries, and reduce pressures on our housing need and homelessness services so that we can continue to support local residents with their housing needs.   

"These properties, many of which are brand new, will give families at risk of homelessness the independence, space and privacy. It's also the chance for them to integrate with the local community and play a part in community life." 

The properties range from one-bedroom flats to four-bedroom houses in and around Newton Abbot. They are either newly built or purchased through the open market.