A new survey has revealed hosts of Ukrainian refugees need more support from the Government to continue as costs soar.

Hundreds of visas have been issued for Ukrainian refugees to stay with hosts in Oxford, but a new survey shows hosts across the country need more support from the Government to continue as costs soar.

Since March, Ukrainians fleeing the Russian invasion have been able to apply for a visa to stay in the UK under the Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme.

The scheme, also known as ‘Homes for Ukraine’, allows individuals to host refugees for a minimum of six months.

As of August 2, 342 visas had been issued for refugees staying with hosts in Oxford – 249 of which had arrived in the UK as of the day before.

A new survey suggests that hosts need more financial help from the Government amid the cost-of-living crisis, which has rapidly pushed up the price of food, energy and fuel.

Across the UK, more than 17,000 sponsors responded to the questionnaire between July 7 and July 14, with more than 70% saying the crisis has impacted their ability to provide support.

Among those who said they were only planning on hosting for six months, or were not sure, 40% said an increase in the £350 monthly payments they receive would encourage them to provide accommodation longer term.

The Local Government Association, a membership body for local authorities, said better information was needed on what options are available after the six-month initial placement period.

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It added that the ‘thank you’ payment should be increased to reduce the burden on sponsors.

The Refugee Council, a charity which advocates for those fleeing conflict, said that support and advice was needed to stop arrangements from breaking down and refugees becoming homeless.

The charity’s CEO, Enver Solomon, added the cost-of-living crisis was an ‘additional burden’ to those who have already faced significant hardship.

The survey shows that many hosts supported their guests beyond providing accommodation – and have found the experience to be a positive one.

More than nine in 10 hosts have helped set up services for those staying with them, and 58% say they have helped with sorting school and university places.

Data from the Department of Education shows 308 refugee pupils had been offered school places across Oxfordshire as of July 26.

Refugees Minister Richard Harrington said the survey results were “testament to the goodwill the British public has shown the people of Ukraine.”

He stressed that hosts will continue to receive monthly ‘thank you’ payments for up to 12 months to help with the costs of opening up their home.

 

Read more from this author

This story was written by Matthew Norman, he joined the team in 2022 as a Facebook community reporter.

Matthew covers Bicester and focuses on finding stories from diverse communities.

Get in touch with him by emailing: Matthew.norman@newsquest.co.uk

Follow him on Twitter: @OxMailMattN1

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