EAST Lothian Council is “urgently considering” the support it can provide to Afghan refugees coming into the UK as part of a national scheme.

Thousands of people from Afghanistan have fled the country following its takeover by the Taliban this week and about 3,000 refugees are expected to live in the UK.

When asked if East Lothian Council was going to be taking part in the scheme, a council spokesperson said: “Despite the challenges we face in relation to the significant need and demand for affordable housing in East Lothian, we are urgently considering the support that East Lothian Council can provide as part of the UK and Scottish Government Afghan resettlement scheme in the context of this unfolding crisis.

“More detail will be available once we have identified what resources we can provide.”

In neighbouring Midlothian, a report sent by its local authority to its councillors asks them to consider joining the UK Government’s Afghan Relocation Scheme and, if agreed, give officers the power to relocate households in Midlothian and ensure support is in place.

It is anticipated that at least two council houses will be initially offered to resettle refugees in Midlothian alongside a range of support services being brought on-board to help them.

The Taliban seized power in Afghanistan just two weeks before American troops were to complete their withdrawal from the country after a 20-year-long war. The Taliban previously held power in the country from 1996 until 2001.