St Helens Council increase 'thank you' payments for Ukrainian hosts

Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine earlier this year, 88 individuals have been resettled in St Helens Borough via the government's Homes For Ukraine scheme.

Offering refugees a place to stay for a minimum of six months, the scheme entitled hosts to a monthly £350 'thank you' payment.

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Residents supporting the Vigil on Victoria Sqaure (Image: St Helens Star)

Hosts withdrawing from scheme

As the cost of living crisis has continued to pose financial difficulties, many hosts across the UK have decided to withdraw from the programme at the six-month mark.

The proposed withdrawal of host support has put Ukrainian refugees at risk of homelessness, including four individuals from two properties in St Helens.

Aware of the risk of homelessness, the government has now announced a £650 million support package to prolong the scheme and encourage more people to become hosts.

This will increase the 'thank you' payments to £500 a month for hosts who have provided support for more than a year, and will be extended for a two-year period.

The Ukrainian flag flying from St Helens Town Hall (Image: St Helens Star)

Across the country, £150 million has been made available to help local authorities assist refugees move into their own homes.

£500 million has also been made available for councils to acquire housing stock for those fleeing conflict and ensure refugees are not made homeless.

In addition to the government's increased funding, St Helens Council say they will support hosts with an extra £200 payment for up to six months, to prevent any risk of homelessness.

St Helens Council will increase pay hosts an extra £200 for up to six months (Image: St Helens Star)

Additional council payment for hosts

Councillor Jeanie Bell, St Helens Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Safer, Stronger Communities, said: 

“As we reach the six-month mark, which is the minimum commitment for Homes For Ukraine sponsors, we are aware that nationally there are hosts now making the difficult decision to withdraw from the scheme, due in large part to the cost-of-living crisis. 

“Recognising this challenge, we will be making a ‘thank you’ payment of £200 per month for up to six months to local hosts who continue to sponsor refugees, in addition to the payments they receive from Government. 

“Our task is to support the successful resettlement of refugees and help them to access alternative accommodation in advance of sponsorship ending.

"Because we have ongoing interaction with resettled individuals and families through our resettlement service and housing options team, we can ensure their wellbeing if a sponsor does withdraw from the hosting programme.”