People are being urged to help provide homes for refugees as nations around the world mark 12 months since the all-out Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Following the first anniversary (on Friday 24th February) of the unprovoked assault, Cheshire East Council is urging householders as well as landlords and owners of second properties to come forward and register their interest in the Homes for Ukraine scheme.
The council says safe and secure homes are still needed, especially for Ukrainians already living in the borough as well as for people still fleeing their homeland as the horrors of the war continue.
A spokesperson said: “To reduce the risk of homelessness for Ukrainians already living in the borough, there is an urgent need for new or existing sponsors to step in when an original sponsor placement cannot continue.
“There are many benefits for Ukrainian guests to stay in the local community they have already settled in.
“Children can continue to go to the same school and keep their friends, guests can continue to build local community ties and support networks and, continue to go to the workplaces they have secured.”
Council leader Sam Corcoran said: “Cheshire East will continue to stand alongside the Ukrainian people and, along with partners, offer all the support we can to help those now residing in Cheshire East or having to flee this unimaginable conflict in their homeland.
“We are inviting interest from Cheshire East residents who are able to provide sanctuary and a safe home as hosts, especially for those people already living in the borough who need to move on from when their initial sponsorship arrangement ends.”
More than 100,000 Ukrainians have sought sanctuary in the UK through the Homes for Ukraine scheme.
Cheshire East Council says approximately 20 to 30 people per month are still coming into the borough looking for locals to open their home to them – for instance by providing a spare room or an unoccupied flat or house.
Cllr Craig Browne, deputy leader of Cheshire East Council, said: “Along with fellow councillors and council staff, we joined the national one-minute silence at 11am on Friday, marking a year since Russia’s barbaric invasion of Ukraine.
“As a sign of our ongoing solidarity and to pay tribute to the bravery and resilience of the Ukrainian people, the Ukrainian flag was raised at our office buildings in Crewe, Sandbach and Macclesfield.”
Anyone who has not been matched with a Ukrainian person or family can register their interest, if they can offer a spare room or home for at least six months and do not have a criminal record.
After an application has approved, sponsors will be contacted by the council who will carry out suitability checks.
People taking part in the scheme are asked to provide a home or a spare room rent-free for as long as they can, with a minimum stay of at least six months.
In return, they can claim a payment of £350 per month or £500 for supporting current Ukrainian guests who have already been in the UK for more than 12 months.
Landlords are also being offered a financial incentive for supporting Ukrainian refugees, and they are also eligible for payments to help make houses more homely.
People arriving from Ukraine will be able to live and work in the UK for up to three years and are also able to access healthcare, benefits, employment support, education and English language tuition.
For more information, see the Cheshire East Council website or you can also email or call 0300 123 5034.
Landlords should email housingoptions@cheshireeast.gov.uk or call 0300 123 5017 (option 1).
