More than 1,000 Ukrainians settle in North Yorkshire since war
New figures show more than 1,000 Ukrainians now call North Yorkshire home
More than 1,000 Ukrainians have moved to North Yorkshire since the start of the Russian invasion last year, according to new figures.
UK sponsors have agreed to take in those fleeing the war, through the Government's Homes for Ukraine scheme.
Now, a North Yorkshire council executive has revealed 1,267 Ukrainian nationals have settled in the county.
Over the winter, the council increased the ‘thank you’ payments for sponsors from £350 to £500 a month and this will be extended until October 2023 when it will again be reviewed.
To help new arrivals settle in, the council also has two dedicated employment advisors who work with Ukrainian residents to help them find training and apply for jobs.
Nationally, over 117,000 Ukrainians have moved to the UK through the resettlement scheme.
New housing in Harrogate
In March, it was confirmed that the council will spend £2m buying 19 homes for Ukrainians in the Harrogate district.
A report said: “Harrogate has a long and proud history of welcoming those fleeing violence and oppression in their home countries. In the past, this has included Belgium victims of the First World War and Jewish people escaping the Nazis.”
The money will come from the Local Authority Housing Fund, which is a £500m grant fund launched by the government so English councils can provide housing for those unable to find accommodation.
In recent months, there have been increasing reports of Ukrainians families struggling to find their own accommodation after leaving the sponsorship programme.