Wales to receive £8m in funding to help Ukrainian families into their own homes

Ukrainians in the UK will be helped into their own homes as part of a £150 million funding allocation, the UK government has announced.

Wales will receive £8 million, which can be used by councils to help Ukrainian families into the private rental sector, help them get jobs, and continue sponsorship for guests’ second year in the UK.

The Homes for Ukraine scheme has welcomed over 124,000 Ukrainians to the UK, with almost half of working-age nationals now in employment and settled into their local areas, having had the right to work, receive benefits and access public services from day one.

The Department for Transport has also announced it will extend the length of time Ukrainian refugees can drive in the UK on their home country driving licence, from one year to three, in a move that will help many continue the lives and jobs they have forged since arriving here.

Petro Rewko from The Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain said: “Ukrainians everywhere are grateful to the government and the British people for opening their homes and hearts to Ukrainians fleeing their homes as a result of Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.

“We welcome today’s announcement, which recognises the commitment of sponsors and local authorities during difficult economic times and will provide additional support and reassurance to Ukrainian families as they rebuild their lives and seek to overcome the trauma of war.”

Welsh Secretary David TC Davies said: “Wales continues to stand with Ukraine and our solidarity with its people has never been stronger.

“More than 6,700 Ukrainian people have so far been welcomed to Welsh homes, providing sanctuary for those in need and it has brought out the best of the community spirit for which Wales is so famous.

“I’d like to thank all those across Wales who have opened their doors and the UK Government will also continue to do all it can to support the people of Ukraine as the announcement of £8m extra funding for Wales demonstrates.”

The UK government will continue to work with the Ukrainian government, the devolved administrations, local authorities and charities and voluntary groups to support guests and sponsors under the Homes for Ukraine Scheme.

UK government Minister for Housing and Homelessness, Felicity Buchan said: “The UK has an honourable tradition of offering shelter to those fleeing the horrors of war. Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of hosts in this country, over 124,000 Ukrainians have now found safety in the UK.

“Sadly, the fighting in Ukraine shows no sign of ending soon, so we are appealing for more people to become hosts while providing councils with this additional funding to support guests into long-term housing.”