Brighton Labour calls for update on 'Homes for Ukraine' scheme

Brighton and Hove City Councillors Carmen Appich and John Allcock have urged council leader Phelim Mac Cafferty to bring forward a report on the new Homes for Ukraine refugee support scheme to next week’s policy and resources committee.

Cllr Appich and Cllr Allcock said they welcomed the scheme, but that residents need to know that the council stands ready and able to help and called on the report to outline what steps the council has made and needs to make to ensure the city is in the best position to provide safe refuge fleeing the conflict.

• READ MORE: We asked Sussex MPs if they’d house a Ukrainian refugee, and this is what they said

The co-leaders said: “It’s remarkable there isn’t already a report coming out to the council’s most senior policy committee next week, outlining what steps the council is taking and plans to take in order to support refugees coming to Brighton and Hove.

“We want to work with the administration on getting this right, and ensuring our City of Sanctuary is in the best position to support those fleeing conflict.

“We want an update to the committee next week that allows us to constructively scrutinise the work the council is currently doing on this and identify if there is more we can work together to achieve in the interests of refugees.”

• READ MORE: Seafront hotel launches appeal for donations to send to Ukrainian refugees

More than three million Ukrainians have left the country since the Russian invasion began more than three weeks ago.

The Homes for Ukraine scheme was announced by the Government earlier this month, with individuals and organisations able to act as a ‘sponsor’ to grant accommodation to Ukrainians seeking refuge from the war.

People arriving under the scheme will be able to live and work in the UK for three years, as well as have access to healthcare, benefits, employment support, education and English language tuition.

Sponsors must be able to provide at least six months’ accommodation and will receive a £350 payment each month for the duration of the time they are a sponsor for up to 12 months.