Hampshire families with Ukrainian refugees to get further payments
The County Council's extending financial support for host households
Homes in Hampshire housing Ukrainian refugees will continue to get funding for another year.
The county council says hosts will get £500 a month between next April and March 2025.
Nearly 3,400 have moved to the county since the start of Russia's invasion in February last year - with 1,800 still residing in Hampshire.
Councillor Rob Humby, Leader of Hampshire County Council said:
“As our ‘festive season’ gets underway, we are reminded that the winter temperatures in Ukraine can drop to -20°C, and that sadly the conflict is far from over. We remain steadfast in our commitment to providing a warm welcome to Ukrainian nationals, and we wish to express our gratitude to, and recognise the generosity of, local people who are providing homes and practical support to those in need.”
This winter, the County Council has also temporarily increased ‘thank you’ payments to all hosts from £500 to £700 a month from October 2023 until March 2024, to reflect the increased cost of living over the winter months.
Funding for host payments comes from the grant paid by Government to upper tier local authorities to administer the Homes for Ukraine scheme locally.
It is ‘ringfenced’ meaning it cannot be used for any purpose other than to support Ukrainian guests needing a safe place to stay, giving guests more time to get ready to move into independent accommodation.
Councillor Humby said:
“More recently, we have seen a rise in ‘new’ arrivals from the older generation who may be more vulnerable to the harsh winter conditions in Ukraine, and we are therefore urging local residents to come forward if they have a spare room or accommodation that could be suitable as a temporary home.
"If you think you could become a sponsor and welcome a Ukrainian family into your home, there is comprehensive information about the scheme online, including what to expect and how to register your interest at https://www.hants.gov.uk/host.”