Money for Ukrainian refugee hosts ‘should double’, says minister in charge of scheme | Politics News
The minister in charge of the program said families that have received Ukrainian refugees will receive double the amount of funding amid the cost of living crisis.
Lord Harrington, Minister for Refugees, said he was concerned about a quarter of households with people who have fled war could withdraw after the first six months as they struggle with energy bills. higher.
He has asked the Treasury to double his £350-a-month “thank you” payment to £700, according to The Telegraph.
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Lord Harrington told the newspaper: “I have asked the Treasury for the second six months to increase the thank you payment from £350 to £700.
“People are under pressure. I can’t say with hard evidence, but all my guts tell me that if they’re in financial trouble [the increased payment] will help a lot. “
The request comes ahead of the six-month anniversary of Vladimir Putin’s bloody invasion of Ukraine on Wednesday.
On Monday, Downing Street said Boris Johnson’s final two weeks in office would include restoring support to Ukraine and highlighting measures to tackle the cost of living crisis.
Concerns have grown that the UK could face power outages amid Energy prices soar and supply stress, mainly due to Russia’s War in Ukraine.
Lord Harrington said he was “optimistic” that the Treasury would agree to his request.
He said the House for Ukraine program helps the government save on the cost of renting apartments for people, so there is “financial as well as ethical and humanitarian reasons” to increase payments to indigenous families. land.
He said he has also asked the Treasury Department to provide more money to fund English lessons for refugees, so that more people can get jobs to allow them to rent a property of their own. me.
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‘Houses for Ukraine’ announced
More than 100,000 Ukrainian refugees have arrived in the UK since war broke out in February.
Those who have given their homes to the Ukrainians are required to commit to staying for the first six months, with the promise of £350 monthly for expenses related to helping.
Mr Johnson has previously said that any major new fiscal policy should be decided by his successor – Liz Truss or Rishi Sunak – who will be announced on September 5.
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The Treasury proposes that any further funding for Ukrainian refugees will be determined by the next administration.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Finance said: “The government is deeply interested in helping people fleeing the conflict in Ukraine, and that is why we are announcing two new visa programs to welcome those fleeing the conflict in Ukraine. welcome Ukrainian refugees to the UK.
“In recognition of their generosity, sponsors providing accommodation to refugees through the ‘House for Ukraine’ program will receive £350 per month per address for up to 12 months if the guest remain in their place of residence.
“We have taken action to ensure these payments are tax-free, and continue to monitor and review the assistance provided under the program.”
