Somerset County Council commits £250,000 for Ukrainian Refugees
Somerset County Council has committed £250,000 to support refugees fleeing war-torn Ukraine.
Last updated 16th Mar 2022
Somerset has a proud record when it comes to welcoming refugees, with the County Council working with partners, charities and the community to help over 160 people safely resettle here since 2016.
At Cabinet today, Council Leader David Fothergill outlined measures being taken by the County Council in response to the Ukraine crisis and announced that £200,000 would be made available to ensure any refugees in Somerset receive all the help they need.
This may include access to public services, education and health support, housing, travel, food and interpretation services. Sponsoring households may also require support.
A further £50,000 was pledged for a new Somerset Ukrainian support fund which is expected to be established in the coming days.
Council Leader David Fothergill says:
“We are all deeply concerned by events happening in Ukraine and it is clear we need to play our part and make sure we’re ready to welcome Ukrainian refugees to Somerset.
“People in Somerset always step up. We know they will want to help and we’re working with our partners, our district councils and the health and voluntary sector to co-ordinate local efforts. A huge thank you to everyone helping with this and for all the many offers of support which are already flooding in.”
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