£150m fund goals to assist Ukrainians into their very own houses
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UK Government fund of £150 million to assist Ukrainians into their very own houses and to proceed sponsorship preparations has been introduced.
Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February final 12 months, greater than 124,000 folks have arrived within the UK below the Homes for Ukraine scheme.
The new cash will go to councils to assist Ukrainian households into personal rented lodging and discover work.
It may even go in direction of persevering with sponsorship preparations, as many visitors are of their second 12 months within the UK.
The funding is being divided in keeping with the variety of Ukrainians in every nation – England will obtain round £109 million, Scotland £30 million, Wales £8 million and Northern Ireland £2 million.
Those internet hosting Ukrainians will proceed to obtain a month-to-month £350 thank-you fee throughout visitors’ first 12 months, rising to £500 a month throughout the next 12 months.
In March, the Red Cross warned many Ukrainians are staying in “inappropriate” lodging.
UK housing minister Felicity Buchan mentioned: “The UK has an honourable tradition of offering shelter to those fleeing the horrors of war.
“Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of hosts in this country, over 124,000 Ukrainians have now found safety in the UK.
“Sadly, the fighting in Ukraine shows no sign of ending soon, so we are appealing for more people to become hosts while providing councils with this additional funding to support guests into long-term housing.”
In Scotland, greater than 24,000 displaced Ukrainians have arrived by means of a person sponsor or the Scottish Government’s super-sponsor scheme.
Thousands stay in non permanent lodging whereas ready for a everlasting residence.
Scotland Office minister John Lamont mentioned: “The UK has a long, proud history of helping those fleeing danger or persecution and we will continue to help the Ukrainians whose lives were thrown into turmoil when Russia illegally invaded their country.
“Today’s announcement of a further £30 million for Scotland to help rehome people from Ukraine brings a welcome boost to the great effort already made.
“I want to thank everyone who has helped support Ukraine for more than a year now, including all those who have helped Ukrainian refugees make new lives in Scotland.”
Petro Rewko, of the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain, mentioned his organisation welcomes the funding dedication throughout “difficult economic times”.
He added: “Ukrainians everywhere are grateful to the Government and the British people for opening their homes and hearts to Ukrainians fleeing their homes as a result of Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.”