Extra Christmas payments to 'Homes for Ukraine' in Hampshire
One-off handout to hosts and Ukrainian guests
Additional Christmas money is being given to households in Hampshire who're helping look after people who've fled the war in Ukraine, as well as extra money being given to their Ukrainian guests.
Hampshire County Council's leader, Rob Humby, has announced that the Local Authority will be making an extra one-off £250 payment to hosts as part of the Government’s Homes for Ukraine Scheme this Christmas. And £200 will be given to each Ukrainian guest to support them over the holiday period.
The county of Hampshire has welcomed the third highest number of Ukrainian nationals in England.
Councillor Humby said:
“This Christmas will undoubtedly be a very challenging time for many, with the additional pressures presented by the cost of living crisis. We are very mindful of the extra challenges faced by Hampshire residents who have opened their homes to those fleeing the conflict in Ukraine, and are pleased to be able to offer these additional payments, from dedicated budgets, to support with costs. In this way, we very much hope, as far as we are able to, that our Ukrainian guests’ first Christmas in this country is a happy and peaceful one.”
“We remain hugely grateful to the local hosts who continue to provide a safe haven for more than 1,300 Ukrainian families across our county.”
The new payments will be distributed in mid-December and will be funded via the grant paid to upper tier local authorities to specifically support implementation of the Homes for Ukraine scheme locally. This funding is ring-fenced and cannot be used for any other purpose.
The new payments are in addition to the extra £200 discretionary payment being paid per month over a five month period to local hosts by Hampshire County Council.
The Government currently sets payments nationally at £350 per month per accommodation for hosts and a single £200 for each guest.