Ukrainian refugee hosts in Hertfordshire to receive financial push
Residents in Hertfordshire opening up their homes to Ukrainian refugees will benefit from a boost in financial compensation.
Ukrainian civilians are still arriving in the country every month seeking refuge.
Although the majority in Hertfordshire are already being hosted by local families who have offered up their spare rooms, there is a need for more residents to get involved in the scheme.
In addition, with increased financial pressures, many residents who had previously opened up their homes are no longer able to cater for refugees.
To tackle this, Hertfordshire County Council decided to offer up higher financial compensation for host families in the hope to compensate for essential payments such as water or electricity bills.
Richard Roberts, Leader of Hertfordshire County Council, said: “We know that many are struggling with the cost of living so I’m pleased to be able to announce with immediate effect a range of enhancements to the thank you payments our sponsors receive."
"We hope that these enhancements will encourage more sponsors to host for longer and encourage more people from across the county to step forward.”
The current payments to host families is of £200 per refugee, but this should increase by £50 a month as winter comes.
Mr Roberts said: "It's fantastic that so many residents have given up space in their homes."
"1200 guests have come through our families and some who have now left, with about 600 of those have gone into the community."
The Council is appealing for anyone with a spare room to get involved in the national Homes for Ukraine Scheme.