People in Cornwall have made more than 2,000 offers to house and help refugees fleeing from Ukraine, according to Cornwall Council. The county is at the “forefront of this outpouring of support for those affected by this horrendous war,” said Cornwall Council Leader Linda Taylor. Here’s how to help, if you are able
Who can apply to host a Ukrainian refugee?
? People in the UK can apply to host a refugee or refugees at https://www.gov.uk/register-interest-homes-ukraine
? You have to be able to host them in your own home or in another property, for at least six months.
? Charities, businesses and community groups will also be able to apply.
? Those offering to host a refugee will be vetted by the government and Ukrainian applicants will also undergo security checks before they are matched with a host.
? The government says there will be no cap or upper limit on the number of Ukrainians who can come under this scheme.
Do you have to know the refugee you want to host?
? No, you will not be required to know them in advance.
? You don’t have to name an individual or a family you want to host when you fill in the form. Once you submit it, you will be matched with Ukrainians who are seeking refuge in the UK.
? It is not yet clear how and where the refugees wanting to come to the UK will be able to apply.
How will the scheme be funded?
? Households in the UK will be offered £350 a month to open their homes to refugees.
? The government has so far not specified whether this is the amount offered to hosts per refugee, but it is implied that this funding is per home offered.
? Local authorities will also receive £10,500 in extra funding per refugee for support services, with more for children of school age.
What rights will the refugees have?
? Ukrainians welcomed under the scheme will be eligible to work, access state benefits and public services for three years.
? Sainsbury’s, Marks & Spencer and Morrison’s are among UK retailers who have offered to employ Ukrainian refugees.
? The government has also said it will look at options to provide support to Ukrainian nationals who want to come to the UK with their pets.
Safeguarding
? All accommodation offered will be subject to the relevant safeguarding checks and will be carried out at a local level on a case by case basis.
