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Brits to be given £350-a-month to open homes to Ukraine refugees with applications launched from TOMORROW
BRITISH families who open their homes to Ukrainian refugees fleeing the war will be given a £350-a-month “thank you” payment.
The venture will kick off from tomorrow with hopes the cash incentive will encourage people to take in those who have been forced to leave their homeland behind.
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Homeowners will be paid over £2,000 if they provide a room rent-free for a minimum of six months.
Housing Secretary Michael Gove unveiled the “Homes for Ukraine” scheme today to provide thousands of displaced people with safety.
It will include a fast-track visa system which will go live this week — allowing the first wave of refugees to arrive within days.
Brits who lay down the welcome mat will be eligible to receive a total of £2,100 tax-free for six months.
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But good samaritans will be left to trawl Facebook and Instagram or work with charities to find someone, after No10 ditched plans to match Ukrainians with a home.
Mr Gove revealed he was considering taking refugees into his Carlton Gardens residence, which is situated in the City of Westminster.
He told the BBC's Sunday Morning programme: "I'm exploring what I can do, I know that there are others who have.
"Without going into my personal circumstances, there are a couple of things I need to sort out - but yes."
He said there are potentially "hundreds of thousands of people" in the UK willing to get involved in the Government's new sponsorship scheme.
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The Housing Secretary's statement suggests he is doubling down on his pledge to help Ukrainians in their "darkest hour".
He said last night: "The British public understand the need to get people to safety as quickly as we can.
“I urge people across the country to join the effort and offer their support to our Ukrainian friends.
"Together we can give a safe home to those who desperately need it.”
The action comes after days of simmering outrage over Britain’s tardy response to Europe’s biggest humanitarian crisis since World War Two.
The scheme, drawn up by ministers from five government departments, cuts through the bureaucracy which has led to angry accusations of foot-dragging by officials.
From this week, desperate Ukrainians will be given fast and safe shelter on completion of a simple, one-page online visa form that can be filled in by the host family.
'OPEN THEIR HEARTS AND THEIR HOMES'
Once in the UK, refugees will instantly be eligible to enter the jobs market, claim all benefits apart from housing allowance and gain full access to public services including the NHS and schools.
A source said: “There will be no need for the hosts to offer anything other than a roof over their head and a warm bed. The Ukrainians may even want to offer a contribution towards food and other household costs, but that can all be decided privately.
“It will be up to families to provide whatever support they wish to their Ukrainian guests.
“We won’t be stipulating how generous people should be, but are sure many will open their hearts and their homes.”
Ministers have put no cap on the number of refugees allowed in by the scheme — or the total bill for housing them.
But insiders say the Homes for Ukraine scheme will be a lot cheaper, quicker and more welcoming than putting them up in hotels.
About three in ten people would be willing to open their doors to Ukrainians, according to an Opinium poll published last night.
BRIT AID
It found 63 per cent are not in a position to help, but nine per cent said they would definitely take in a refugee and 20 per cent declared they are thinking of giving shelter.
A new bespoke website will launch tomorrow for sponsors to register their interest — including individuals, charities, community groups and businesses.
They will simply have to fill in the name and a few details of the Ukrainians they are offering to house, even if they have no family ties to the UK.
They could be somebody met on social media or through sport, charity or religious groups.
Once a Ukrainian — who must have a passport — has arrived in the UK, they can have their six-month stay upgraded to three years.
All those offering accommodation will be vetted and Ukrainian applicants will undergo security checks.
Extended family members will already be allowed to enter Britain from Tuesday. And Britain is providing £400million in aid to Ukraine and its neighbours.
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An insider said: “Some people arriving will be badly traumatised.
“It is much better to give them the warmth, comfort and compassion of living with a family. It is also cheaper for the taxpayer.”
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Help those fleeing conflict with The Sun’s Ukraine Fund
PICTURES of women and children fleeing the horror of Ukraine’s devastated towns and cities have moved Sun readers to tears.
Many of you want to help the five million caught in the chaos — and now you can, by donating to The Sun's Ukraine Fund.
Give as little as £3 or as much as you can afford and every penny will be donated to the Red Cross on the ground helping women, children, the old, the infirm and the wounded.
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The Ukraine Crisis Appeal will support people in areas currently affected and those potentially affected in the future by the crisis.
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