William Eichler 19 February 2024

Council chiefs call for review of Ukrainian refugee scheme

Council chiefs call for review of Ukrainian refugee scheme image
Image: Da Antipina / Shutterstock.com.

Local authority leaders have called for an urgent review of funding for Ukrainian refugees as 9,000 have reported as homeless and more need longer-term support.

The Government announced over the weekend that it would extend the three-year visas of Ukrainians who have escaped the war by 18 months.

The Local Government Association (LGA) told the Guardian the increase in the number of Ukrainian refugees presenting as homeless is being driven by a breakdown in sponsorship arrangements and housing shortages.

Cllr Roger Gough, the LGA’s asylum, refugee and migration spokesperson, said: ‘As the Ukraine visa schemes were designed to provide temporary sanctuary, the funding arrangements for councils to support arrivals need urgent review as councils continue to provide crucial longer-term support, including integration and housing support as sponsorship arrangements come to an end.’

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