Moving-on
There’s support available for some refugees that are ready to live independently.
The Private Rental Support Scheme provides crucial financial assistance to Ukrainian refugees seeking to secure private rental housing. This initiative is designed to alleviate the initial financial barriers that often prevent refugees from accessing stable and secure accommodation, and is modelled on existing support already offered to those threatened with homelessness.
Private Rental Support scheme
- First month's rent
- Deposit
Resettlement Support Fund
Financial help through vouchers with:
- White goods
- Furniture
In addition to financial assistance, refugees are often provided with guidance and support on:
- navigating the rental market
- understanding tenancy agreements
- knowing their rights as tenants
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So far, 54 households have benefited from the scheme, marking an important step towards building stability and independence for those starting a new chapter here.
Despite the above, there will be some refugees that are unable to find settled accommodation independently. The Local Authority Housing Fund (LAHF), a £1.2 billion fund supporting local authorities in England, helps this issue by obtaining housing for refugees on specific resettlement schemes.
The LAHF aims to ease the pressure on local housing markets caused by new arrivals while also boosting the long-term supply of affordable social housing
All properties obtained with the LAHF will provide a lasting affordable housing asset for the future.
- It reduces the impact on existing housing pressures
- In the longer term, provides a new and permanent supply of accommodation for local communities = creating more homes within the wider social housing system.
In Gloucestershire, the LAHF has already funded 57 properties for Ukrainian families and 11 for Afghan families, providing a stable foundation for people to rebuild their lives and contribute to their new communities.