County shows its support for the people of Ukraine

The Government’s Homes for Ukraine scheme, which asks people to offer space in their homes for those fleeing the war, has been launched (https://homesforukraine.campaign.gov.uk).

This will allow individuals, charities, community groups and businesses in the UK to bring Ukrainians to safety – including those with no family ties to the country.

Phase One of the scheme will allow sponsors to invite an individual or family to stay with them in their home or in a separate property.

There will be no impact on their benefits as a result of doing so – for example, they would not lose their single person council tax discount.

The Government will also be providing a full support pack for families hosting arrivals and a welcome pack for all new arrivals.

Anyone who is interested in participating is asked to offer accommodation for at least six months and will be eligible for a ‘thank you’ payment of £350 a month.

FAQs are available here on the Homes for Ukraine scheme – https://www.gov.uk/guidance/homes-for-ukraine-scheme-frequently-asked-questions.

In Cambridgeshire, support for Ukrainian refugees is being led by the district and city councils.

We have also set up a page on our website to outline what you can do to help: https://www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/council/communities-localism/support-for-the-people-of-ukraine

On 1 March Cambridgeshire County Council Leader, Councillor Lucy Nethsingha, and other council leaders in the county wrote to the Home Secretary calling for it to be made easier for people fleeing the conflict to gain access to the UK. You can read the letter here: https://www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/news/letter-to-the-home-office-regrading-conflict-in-ukraine-from-cambridgeshire-leaders

A response has been received to this letter which you can read here: https://www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/news/response-from-home-office-following-letter-from-leaders-in-cambridgeshire-about-conflict-in-ukraine

Contact:

Communications and Information Service

communications@cambridgeshire.gov.uk

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