The Government has today (Friday 18 March) opened the visa application process for its ‘Homes for Ukraine’ refugee support scheme, which allows residents, charities, community groups and businesses to request to sponsor and offer accommodation to a named Ukrainian individual or family seeking safe refuge in the UK.
Cllr Andrew Johnson, the council leader, said: “In the Royal Borough, we stand together with the people of Ukraine, whose lives are being so brutally affected by this terrible war. We know there are many compassionate people within our community who will be both willing and able to provide suitable accommodation, whether that be a spare room in your own home or an unoccupied self-contained residential unit.
"As a council, we are working with national and local partners to ensure comprehensive support is in place for local sponsors and the Ukrainian refugees they’ll be welcoming to the Royal Borough. Funding and further guidance is expected from the Government in due course.
“If you know a refugee individual or family you wish to sponsor, and are able to provide suitable accommodation for at least six months, then please visit the Government website for more information about ‘Homes for Ukraine’ and to apply. Any generous offers will be most welcomed. People wanting to be sponsors but do not personally know anyone fleeing Ukraine can also record their interest to be a sponsor and be matched to people from Ukraine.”