Wiltshire Council helping Ukrainians settling here into own housing
The authority's got Government funding to support those choosing to stay
Wiltshire Council is offering more support for Ukraine guests as they find their own housing and move on from host families.
With some Ukrainians looking for private accommodation, the council will use government Ukraine funding to help those struggling financially.
They'll provide the first month’s rent and a deposit.
There's also help available for the physical costs of moving and for things like new furniture.
Government funding's also being used to help Wiltshire Council buy up properties for their Stone Circle housing company, to be rented back out to Ukrainian families at an affordable rate.
The authority's looking to purchase 24 homes, with offers being accepted on nine so far.
Cllr Richard Clewer, Leader of Wiltshire Council said:
“Wiltshire residents have provided a safe place to stay for many Ukraine people fleeing their own country. They have shown a generous, welcoming nature and I want to thank them for everything they have done.
“We’ve just marked the first anniversary of the Homes for Ukraine scheme and while we want as many hosts as possible to continue providing a home, we are aware many of them are working with their Ukraine guests to look at other solutions. As required by the government we are now taking additional steps using available funding to provide a bridge to moving into private accommodation for Ukraine guests.
"We are also using the funding in an innovative way to purchase homes with the Local Authority Housing Fund and through Stone Circle that can be used for Ukraine nationals now and for wider use for Wiltshire residents into the future.”
Since the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Wiltshire has seen 1,374 people arrive in the county - one of the top local authority areas in England for taking in Ukrainian nationals.
Of those people coming to Wiltshire, 165 families have now moved into their own private rented accommodation.
The Council's Homes for Ukraine team has also rematched 67 people with new hosts in Wiltshire and 27 new matches have been here from other local authority area.