A £6,000,000 loan will be used to boost refugee and migrant housing in London.

ARHAG Housing Association, a black and minority ethnic housing service, will be purchasing 47 developed units in Barnet, London to provide housing for refugee and migrant communities thanks to a £6,000,000 loan from commercial bank, Unity Trust.

Beachcroft Court, Woodside Park, a newly built block of 21, two-bedroom flats, will be one of the 47 units purchased. The other developed units are spread across Barnet in Edgware, Burnt Oak and Muswell Hill with 26 two and three-bedroom houses.

Ian Heesom, relationship manager at Unity Trust Bank, said: “As a commercial bank with a social conscience, we’re committed to having a positive impact on the communities that we serve. Organisations like ARHAG are increasingly looking for an ethical bank that shares thir values.

“There is a shortage of housing in London generally, but particularly in inner city areas. I’m pleased that our lending can help to alleviate this issue for communities in need.”

ARHAG first began operating 40 years ago, it has since grown to owning 900 properties across 16 London boroughs, including one supported housing scheme for refugees and migrants.