Love them or loath them the Conservatives have been navigating the way forward in Westminster for a dozen years now. The UK like many other countries is continuing to emerge and adapt to unexpected global events whilst attempting to work together to meet the climate change goals agreed in the recent COP21 conference in Glasgow.
‘The UK is one of the world’s largest economies, open and dynamic, with strong institutions and world-class universities.’ States the Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak in the ‘Build Back Better’ policy paper published in partnership with Prime Minister Boris Johnson. (1)
The Homes for Ukraine scheme launched by the government enables refugees who come to the UK to be able to live and work in the UK for up to three years, and have access to healthcare, welfare and schools. Both hosts and refugees are vetted by the scheme in which UK host families receive £350 per month for ensuring an individual or family from the Ukraine can stay with them rent free for at least six months.
This week the BBC reported that as of 24th May 115,000 Ukrainian visas had been issued and 60,100 visa holders have arrived in the UK already. (2)
Guidance from the Home Owners Alliance advises that British, Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish residents thinking about providing accommodation for families from the Ukraine need to make sure they have adequate private space for the visitors including appropriate kitchen and bathroom facilities.
“The law states that two people should not be in one room unless they are: adult cohabiting partners; a parent and child; two siblings of the same gender if aged over 10; two siblings regardless of gender if aged under 10. Individuals who didn’t previously know each other should not be given the same room.” (3)
For more information and to register your interest follow this link about the ‘Homes for Ukraine scheme’. (4)
In England most people agree that we send our peaceful wishes to everyone in and from the Ukraine and other areas affected by conflicts around the world. We especially hope that our eastern European friends will be able to return to their homes again soon (if that is what they want) and rebuild their towns and cities to be even more beautiful and culturally wonderful than before the conflict began.
(1) ‘Build back Better: our plan for growth’ UK Government Policy Paper, 3 March 2021 (1) ‘Build back Better: our plan for growth’, UK Government Policy Paper
(2) ‘How many Ukrainians have fled their homes and where have they gone?’ BBC News, Russia-Ukraine War, 26 May 2022 ‘How many Ukrainians have fled their homes and where have they gone?’ BBC News
(3) ‘Homes for Ukraine Scheme – what you need to know’ Home Owners Alliance, 28 April 2022 ‘Homes for Ukraine Scheme – what you need to know’ Home Owners Alliance
(4) ‘How can I offer a UK home to Ukrainian refugees?‘ Tamara Kovacevic, BBC News, 26 May 2022 ‘How can I offer a UK home to Ukrainian refugees?‘