Helping Hand for Ukraine

Helping Hand for Ukraine

Please see the information below from Buckinghamshire Council

The ‘Homes for Ukraine’ scheme was announced by the Government yesterday. This scheme will allow Ukrainians with no family ties to the UK to be sponsored by individuals or organisations who can offer them a home such as a spare room or unoccupied residential self-contained unit.

• Those who are interested in offering accommodation can register on the ‘Homes for Ukraine’ website – www.gov.uk/homes-for-ukraine
• The Government has confirmed that there will be a payment of £350 per month to householders taking in refugees
• In addition, there will be a payment to councils of £10,500 per person in order to support the extra range and volume of services that will be required. This will include vetting of applicants to house refugees, education and social care for both the elderly and young. We are urgently seeking clarification about this funding – for example it is not clear whether it also needs to fund NHS services, what period the funding is intended to cover, how to access it etc.
• The Government has also confirmed that the £350 payment will be tax free and not affect eligibility for benefits. We are confirming that this includes issues such as the single occupancy discount for Council Tax.

In addition to this scheme, the Council has also formed a local strategic partnership so we can be in the best possible position across the whole of Buckinghamshire to co-ordinate a strong response to whatever scenario presents. It means we have representatives from accommodation, education, health, safeguarding and other services all aligned to prepare for and support any arrivals as best we can.

This is as much detail as we have at the moment and as plans unfold, we will update our website and send out further communications.

Please see the information below from Buckinghamshire Council

The ‘Homes for Ukraine’ scheme was announced by the Government yesterday. This scheme will allow Ukrainians with no family ties to the UK to be sponsored by individuals or organisations who can offer them a home such as a spare room or unoccupied residential self-contained unit.

• Those who are interested in offering accommodation can register on the ‘Homes for Ukraine’ website – www.gov.uk/homes-for-ukraine
• The Government has confirmed that there will be a payment of £350 per month to householders taking in refugees
• In addition, there will be a payment to councils of £10,500 per person in order to support the extra range and volume of services that will be required. This will include vetting of applicants to house refugees, education and social care for both the elderly and young. We are urgently seeking clarification about this funding – for example it is not clear whether it also needs to fund NHS services, what period the funding is intended to cover, how to access it etc.
• The Government has also confirmed that the £350 payment will be tax free and not affect eligibility for benefits. We are confirming that this includes issues such as the single occupancy discount for Council Tax.

In addition to this scheme, the Council has also formed a local strategic partnership so we can be in the best possible position across the whole of Buckinghamshire to co-ordinate a strong response to whatever scenario presents. It means we have representatives from accommodation, education, health, safeguarding and other services all aligned to prepare for and support any arrivals as best we can.

This is as much detail as we have at the moment and as plans unfold, we will update our website and send out further communications.

https://www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/community-and-safety/ukraine-crisis-appeal/