Westmorland and Furness Council is pleased to announce updates to its support for participants in the Homes for Ukraine (HFU) scheme, ensuring ongoing help for both hosts and Ukrainian guests.
Under the national HFU funding policy set out by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), hosts currently receive £350 per month, increasing to £500 after 12 months of hosting. While central Government has decided to discontinue the additional £150 top-up payment, Westmorland and Furness Council will step in to ensure eligible hosts under the current scheme continue to receive this support. This includes those who are still hosting Ukrainian guests after 12 months and those who reach the 12-month hosting milestone by 1 April 2025.
Recognising the need to further support guests, the council last year launched a Move To Independence Policy which supports Ukrainian nationals who arrived in the area under the Homes For Ukraine Scheme (HFU) to move into independent living.
Using funding from Central Government, the council developed the policy to financially support guests who have previously been hosted, to move within Westmorland and Furness and to other local authority areas. Running until 31 March 2027, the policy is only applicable to those guests who arrived in Westmorland and Furness where Government funding has applied.
Councillor Helen Chaffey, Cabinet Member for Customer Services, Organisational Culture and Communications, said:
“With the Ukrainian conflict going into its third year, it is important that we continue to support both hosts and guests. The decision to step in and make up the top-up payment reflects the council’s deep gratitude for the unwavering generosity and commitment shown by hosts. Individuals and families came to the UK seeking safety and stability, and the hosts’ unending generosity and commitment to them during this challenging time has made a profound impact on their lives.
“By also introducing a process which gives guests the opportunity to move on and live independently if they want to, is a wonderful step forward. When the HFU scheme began in March 2022, it was designed as a short-term hosting arrangement for six months. Now, as the conflict continues into its third year, this Government funding allows us to support guests in establishing their own homes and building a future here in Westmorland and Furness.”
If you are or were a hosted Ukrainian national and would like to know more, contact the council.