ALMOST a year on since Russia invaded Ukraine and there are concerns as more Ukrainian refugees in Basingstoke face the risk of being homeless.

The UK has taken in more than 160,000 Ukrainians fleeing the conflict – but many now face homelessness as arrangements break down.

Figures from the Home Office show 20 households had received homeless duties in the borough as of January 27, including nine families with dependent children.

This was a rise from 18 in November, the last time figures were published.

The figures show two households became homeless after the arrangement with their host broke down, while one did so because their accommodation was not suitable on arrival.

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Duties are provided by the local council when a person or family is judged to be at risk of homelessness, or has already lost their home.

Refugees from the war have been invited to stay in the UK under the Ukrainian Sponsorship and Family schemes.

Separate figures from the Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme show 396 visas had been granted for refugees to stay with sponsors in Basingstoke on February 14. 

The former sets up refugees with hosts in the UK for an initial six months, who receive support from their local council and a stipend of £350.

In December, the Government raised these payments to £500 for those with guests who have been in the UK for longer than a year.

Enver Solomon, CEO of the Refugee Council charity, said it was heartening to see so many people open their doors to people fleeing the conflict, but added it was "worrying" refugees are facing homelessness.

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Across England just under 4,300 Ukrainian households had presented as homeless as of January – an increase of 44 per cent from nearly 3,000 in November.

Kate Randall, BDBC Head of Housing and Social Inclusion, explained that since the start of the Homes for Ukraine scheme the council have been working with Hampshire County Council to homelessness, housing standards and rematching guests if arrangements become unsustainable. 

She added: "We have been and continue to work hard with our partners to ensure over 180 Ukrainian families who have arrived in our borough have access to support and a place to live.

“As part of this we have appointed someone to work with those Ukrainian families requiring assistance and so far 34 families have received bespoke advice and support in assessing their finances and appropriate housing options, welfare benefits and tenancy management. This support has also included giving financial assistance to help 15 households to secure accommodation in the private sector.

“Our housing and environmental health teams have been carrying out six monthly checks on sponsorship arrangements on behalf of Hampshire County Council. We have also continued to work closely with Basingstoke Voluntary Action who are providing support around wider welfare issues including employment, training and community events.”