Calls for Swindon Council to act as rent guarantor for Ukrainian refugees
One community activist is calling for the authority to go one step further in helping refugees
Last updated 3rd Nov 2022
Ukrainian refugees are being helped to find new homes if they’re being hosted by a family in Swindon comes to an end says Swindon Borough Council.
But one community activist would like the local authority to add a string to its bow – acting as rent guarantor for those who are seeking private rented accommodation.
Mike Bowden, co-chairman of the Swindon Humanitarian Aid Partnership, set up to help Ukrainians displaced by the war in their country said: “In addition to transporting hundreds of tonnes of aid to Ukraine SHAP also supports Ukrainian visitors in and around Swindon .
“Many hosting arrangements end this month and it would be fair to say the government have not been proactive in dealing with the housing crisis that is likely to result.”
Mr Bowden explained some Ukrainians are in a financial position to consider privately renting accommodation but added: “As they cannot show 12 months earnings in the UK landlords typically demand a rent guarantor. How is a Ukrainian visitors expected to find a guarantor? It’s simply unrealistic and unfair.”
SHAP raised the issue with South Swindon MP MP Robert Buckland and received a letter in response a letter from the minister for Housing and Communities, Andrew Stephenson. It said: “To support guests in accessing the private rented sector, some councils are running schemes is which the council acts as rent guarantor for the household.”
Mr Bowden said he approached both Swindon Borough and Wiltshire council about doing so. Swindon, he said, declined to do so. But Mr Bowden urged Euclid Street to reconsider: ”For those that only view matters in pounds rather than human decency the fact is that standing as a rent guarantor would be considerably cheaper than providing emergency accommodation for young mothers with kids..”
But Coun Cathy Martyn, the council’s cabinet member for health inequalities and housing, said: “The council is incredibly proud of its long-standing support to those refugees and asylum seekers accommodated in Swindon. The borough is host to more people arriving to the UK under these arrangements than any other local authority in the South West.
“Currently, through the various Ukrainian resettlement programmes, 193 Ukrainians are accommodated within the town.
“The vast majority have successful arrangements with local hosts who have made their homes available to Ukrainian households fleeing the war zone. In addition, with few exceptions, our hosts are renewing their commitment to continue to accommodate their existing guests.
“Unfortunately, in some cases, host arrangements have come to an end, but the council has been successful in rehoming these guests with new hosts"
“In the very few exceptions where the council has provided accommodation under its statutory duties, it also offers assistance with the first month’s rent and the deposit.
“The council also ensures school placements are available for children, welfare benefits are in place where needed, emergency assistance for basic necessities is in place and we work through partners to maximise training and employment opportunities.”
“In supporting our Ukrainian guests we have made welcome payments of £200 to each individual and a further £350 per month to hosts towards their costs. In addition, to support with travel to essential appointments early in their stay, the Council also provide day rider bus passes.”