UK launches ‘Homes for Ukraine’ scheme

The Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities has launched a webpage for sponsors to record their interest, ahead of Phase One of the scheme opening for applications this Friday.

Within hours of the webpage launch, more than 89,000 people registered their interest to sponsor Ukrainian refugees. 

The ‘Homes for Ukraine’ scheme will allow individuals, charities, community groups and businesses in the UK to bring Ukrainians to safety – including those with no family ties to the UK.

Phase One of the scheme will allow sponsors in the UK to nominate a named Ukrainian or a named Ukrainian family to stay with them in their home or in a separate property.

Local Government Association Chairman, Cllr James Jamieson said: ‘The humanitarian crisis caused by the Ukraine invasion is heart-breaking. Councils are ready to help new arrivals from Ukraine settle in the UK and to support communities who wish to offer assistance to those fleeing the devastating conflict.

‘Councils will be central in helping families settle into their communities and access public services, including schools, public health and other support, including access to trauma counselling.’

Co-Director of Reset Communities and Refugees, Kate Brown said: ‘We warmly welcome the introduction of a way in which communities in the UK can open their doors to welcome those who so urgently need help. We have seen that, when communities come together to welcome those seeking sanctuary, they can make a huge impact, transforming the lives of so many whilst offering safety to those who need it.’

Individual sponsors will be asked to provide homes or a spare room rent-free for as long as they are able, with a minimum stay of 6 months. In return, they will receive £350 per month.

Those who have a named Ukrainian they wish to sponsor should contact them directly and prepare to fill in a visa application at the end of this week.

Charities, faith groups and local community organisations are also helping to facilitate connections between individuals, for potential sponsors who do not have a named contact.

Ukrainians arriving in the UK under this scheme will be granted 3 years leave to remain, with entitlement to work, and access benefits and public services.

In related news, local authorities will be able to become a sponsor to help displaced Ukrainians come over to the UK.

Photo by Elena Mozhvilo