HAMPSHIRE County Council will increase monthly payments for residents hosting Ukrainian refugees as part of the Government’s Homes for Ukraine scheme.

The scheme provides homes to refugees fleeing from the Ukraine war, to help them find accommodation in a safe environment.

The payment was previously increased in March from £350 per month to £500 but amidst rising costs has increased to £700 per month.

County council leader, Cllr Rob Humby, said: “We have seen a hugely positive response from residents to the plight of the Ukrainian people over the course of the past 18 months or so, with our county welcoming more than 1,600 families as part of the national settlement scheme.

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“This extra payment recognises both the important contribution Hampshire hosts continue to make, as well as the ongoing challenges many may be facing, in terms of cost-of-living pressures – we, therefore, want to increase payments again this winter – it feels like the right thing to do.”

Cllr Humby added: “With many hosting arrangements having come, or about to come to an end, we hope that more hosts may also come forward to support the Ukrainian citizens who wish to continue living in our county, albeit temporarily, as well as the small numbers who continue to arrive.”  

The new payments will start in October and be funded entirely via the grant paid to upper-tier local authorities to support the implementation of the Homes for Ukraine scheme in their area.

Hampshire continues to welcome the third-highest number of Ukrainian nationals in England and is encouraging further recruitment for the scheme via a new campaign explaining the scheme and the support available for residents considering hosting.

If you are interested in learning more about Homes for Ukraine, visit hants.gov.uk/host