Increased financial support for Ukrainian guests and their sponsors from November
In response to feedback from sponsors about the impact the increased cost-of-living is having on their ability to sponsor Ukrainian guests, the council will be offering all sponsors £375 per household (split into three payments of £125, per month, for the months of November and December 2022 and January 2023) to help towards their energy costs. This will be paid to every sponsor in the county, regardless of how long they have been hosting their guests. Any guest who has moved out into the private rented sector will also be eligible to receive this payment (conditions apply).
In addition to this, those sponsors who have offered to continue to provide accommodation beyond the first six months will also receive an additional £100 per month for months seven to twelve of their hosting arrangements, and this in addition to the existing monthly £350 ‘thank you’ payment already offered to all sponsors.
This means the total monthly payment a sponsor could receive over the winter if they have been hosting a Ukrainian guest for seven months or more is £575.
You do not need to do anything extra to receive these payments. Please be aware of potential scams, the council will always contact you using an email address ending in “gov.uk”
We hope this extra funding will support both sponsors and guests through winter, and if the Government scheme changes we will align our payments accordingly.
Best wishes
Homes for Ukraine team
Funding questions:
Where is the money coming from?
This increased financial support is coming from the Government’s Homes for Ukraine grant paid to local authorities.
What support is there for Ukrainians who are in Gloucestershire under the Families Scheme?
The Ukrainian Families Scheme allows a Visa to be granted for Ukrainians to live with family in the UK. This is different to the Homes for Ukraine scheme which is facilitated by national and local government. The Gloucestershire Homes for Ukraine partners have been supporting those who have come forward as being part of the Families Scheme. Gloucestershire County Council has been giving a one off £200 payment (per person) to people when they contact GARAS.
So far, 52 payment vouchers have been given out, along with travel cards for 50 free bus trips in Gloucestershire. Those who are part of the Families Scheme who have not come forward yet are encouraged to get in touch with GARAS or the Homes for Ukraine team by emailing UkraineFamilies@gloucestershire.gov.uk to get their support payments.
Let us know about changes in circumstances
If a guest’s circumstances have changed, please can sponsors contact the HFU team to update us via email. It is important we understand what the situation is and if we can help, so please get in touch.
Useful information
Email - hfuteam@gloucestershire.gov.uk
Sponsors Information Pack
Frequently asked questions
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