Top-up payments boost for Ukraine refugee hosts

Additional financial support for people in Devon hosting Ukrainian families has been announced following a significant drop in government funding.

Monthly payments to hosts reduced from £500 to £350 last week due to public finance pressures.

To mitigate the impact, North Devon Council has announced it would provide an extra £75 per month for the next 12 months.

Council chief executive Ken Miles expressed concern that the funding cut might lead hosts to stop their support, potentially increasing demand on homelessness services.

"It's much better for us to pay that £75 and reduce the potential demand on the homelessness service," said Mr Miles.

Councillor Helen Walker, who is also a host for Ukrainians herself, praised the council's decision.

"That help is appreciated," she said, adding that it was "a very sensible upgrade."

More than 2,300 Ukrainians have arrived in Devon under the Homes for Ukraine scheme, with 63 currently residing in North Devon, said the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS).

The council plans to use part of the government's refugee resettlement fund to cover the top-up payments.

The government said the move to reduce payments was also intended to support the transition to a scheme which allowed Ukrainian refugees to stay for another 18 months once their three-year visa ran out.

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