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Safe and settled – Cabinet to consider Homes for Ukraine future funding arrangements

Published
As the war in Ukraine enters its ninth month, Gloucestershire County Council’s cabinet will review the approach for allocating more than £15m of Government ring-fenced funding. If cabinet agree, a more streamlined process will ensure ongoing support for Ukrainian guests in Gloucestershire.

Since February, nearly 1300 Ukrainian guests have been safely matched with a sponsor in Gloucestershire. Cabinet will be asked to endorse a revised internal process to access protected Government funding, which will make it easier for the county council and partners to provide essential and timely support for Ukrainians arriving in the county under the Homes for Ukraine (HFU) scheme.

The Homes for Ukraine partners are currently supporting each host and guest to work through the housing options available to them in the county, while awaiting further guidance from Government. The partnership has worked with Adult Education to provide extra English lessons, and the Department for Work and Pensions have held Job Fairs with local employers to help Ukrainians to find employment.

A vital element which is helping guests to rebuild their lives is the overwhelming response from Gloucestershire residents who have been willing to open their homes to those in need. There are currently more than 530 hosts within the county, with more coming forward every week. Hosts have committed to help house and settle Ukrainian guests for between six and twelve months.

Each host currently receives a £350 per month ‘thank you’ payment, and, recognising the increased cost of living, the county council agreed to provide a further £125 each month for November and December 2022, and January 2023, to help with energy costs. Hosts who are able to continue their arrangement beyond the initial six months are also receiving an extra £100 monthly.

Cllr Kathy Williams, cabinet member responsible for refugees and migrants, said, “I’m extremely humbled by the number of Gloucestershire hosts who are continuing beyond the initial six months of this scheme. They are providing vital support and security while Ukrainian guests settle in the county, which is an incredible task, and they need to be recognised for this. Sadly, the conflict in Ukraine is ongoing, so if you could provide this support too, please do get in touch.”

Cllr Williams added, “The funding we get from Government for this scheme is ring-fenced and there are strict ways it should be spent. Over half of the money we are allocated is going directly back to guests and hosts in the form of support payments, or by providing specialised mental health support for trauma. The rest is allocated to our partners to make sure Ukrainian guests have access to services they need, and responsibilities set out by Government are met. This includes carrying out property and safeguarding checks, and welcome visits to meet each person face to face.”

The Homes for Ukraine partnership in Gloucestershire includes all seven councils, GFirst Local Enterprise Partnership, Department for Work and Pensions, local NHS and primary care, and Gloucestershire Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers, with a team at the county council providing a dedicated point of contact for hosts and guests. 

Find out more about the scheme and how to become a host online at www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/your-community/ukrainian-support.