Ukrainians in UK fear homelessness over host scheme funding cuts

Ukrainian refugees in the UK fear they could be left homeless after the government quietly axed 70% of funding for hosts of the Homes for Ukraine scheme, reducing monthly “thank you” payments to them from £350 to £100, The Guardian reports.

The scheme was launched after in February 2022 and has provided support for 181,000 of the 234,000 Ukrainians who have since sought sanctuary in the UK.

A written statement to parliament from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) on 15 September said funding would be reduced from £5,900 to £3,300. The changes will come into effect from 1 January 2027.

Tetiana, a 73-year-old Ukrainian refugee who has been hosted for two years and four months, said she was devastated to read the government’s letter circulated to hosts in the last few days informing them of the changes.

One host who lives in Greenwich said he did not know if he would be able to continue hosting because of the drop in payments. “I’ve been a sponsor since May 2022. I was dismayed to learn that thank you payments are reducing to just £100,” he said. “I lost my job within months of becoming a sponsor and these payments have become an absolute lifeline even though I did not volunteer for this scheme for the money. I genuinely worry about the consequences of this change for Ukrainians in the UK.”

The government says it has so far provided more than £1.81bn for the scheme.

An MHCLG spokesperson said: “The UK’s commitment to supporting Ukrainians is unwavering and the Homes for Ukraine scheme remains open.”

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