Sponsoring Ukrainian refugees

Since Russia invaded Ukraine, many local residents have contacted me by email and social media asking how they can help.

The offers of help have included offering rooms to those fleeing Ukraine. The Government has now unveiled details of how people can 'sponsor' Ukrainian refugees.

The Homes for Ukraine scheme is open to everyone, you will be asked to host Ukrainians in your home or another property you own for at least six months.

Those offering to host will be subject to checks akin to the DBS system which anyone working with children or vulnerable adults already go through.

The Government will provide £350 a month to those hosting Ukrainians.

You can register your interest in participating in this scheme at https://homesforukraine.campaign.gov.uk. The scheme is currently only open if you know of a named person, if you do not know of a named person it is advised you contact a charity, faith group of community organistion. This may well change in the coming days.

The scheme will open on Friday but the website already has details including frequently asked questions.

The scheme is also open to charities, businesses and community groups and you can register your interest at the same website https://homesforukraine.campaign.gov.uk.

The Council will also be looking at ways it can help and earlier today I asked Officers to process the first, of what I suspect will be many, applications for housing support in the Borough.