CHICHESTER is the most generous part of the country for housing Ukrainian refugees, figures from the Home Office have revealed.

At least 222 visas have been granted for the district through the Homes for Ukraine scheme since it opened last month.

With a population of just over 121,000, the district has taken in the most Ukrainian refugees per capita of anywhere in the UK.

Chichester MP Gillian Keegan said she was “really proud” that people in Chichester are welcoming so many Ukrainians fleeing the conflict.

She said: “It is incredibly moving to be a part of such a generous and open community. My team and I have, so far, supported over 130 individuals with their applications through the Home Office.

“I am grateful to all those working locally and in government to ensure Ukrainian people fleeing this conflict can find safety and security here in the UK.”

The news comes as Green councillors in Brighton and Hove have criticised “mismanagement” of the scheme. They have called on the government to make changes to the scheme and welcome Ukrainian refugees with open arms.

Council leader Phelim Mac Cafferty said: “Just days ago, a government whistleblower was in the press stating that the scheme appears designed to fail. Our early evidence in Brighton and Hove is that this is sadly the case.

“Despite the crocodile tears from ministers, who claim compassion for the plight of refugees from the conflict, it is still very hard for Ukraine’s refugees to find a safe home in the UK and this speaks to the continuation of the ‘hostile environment’ the Home Office has or all refugees.”

More than 11 million people are believed to have fled their homes since the conflict began in February, according to the United Nations, with 5.3 million leaving Ukraine for other countries.