We have agreed to offer additional financial support to Homes for Ukraine sponsors in Essex.
The Government scheme originally launched back in March and there are now 1,925 Ukrainian arrivals staying with 670 sponsors across Essex.
Sponsors are already entitled to payments of £350 per month as a “thank you” and to help with increased costs.
Now we can confirm that we are increasing the financial support available to sponsors through the scheme.
This includes:
- An extra £200 a month during months seven to 12 of guests’ stay. This will increase the usual monthly payment during these months to £550.
- Where hosting arrangements continue, backdated payment for sponsors whose guests have already been in Essex longer than six months.
- A one-off payment of £500 in December if sponsors have guests staying with them for all or at least part of the month.
There is no need for sponsors who are currently receiving payment to contact us and we ask them to bear with us as we make the necessary payment adjustments.
The increase in payments recognises costs for sponsors will have risen in recent months due to inflation and other factors.
Cllr Louise McKinlay, ECC Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Community, Equality, Partnerships and Performance, said: “The response from Essex residents to the Homes for Ukraine scheme has been incredibly positive, with so many of them opening up their homes to Ukrainian arrivals.
“We are keen to reward residents for their ongoing generosity, while also recognising that many sponsors will be facing additional pressure on their finances and may be worried about the rising cost of living.
“These additional payments will hopefully give sponsors some peace of mind and certainty as we head into what we know will be a difficult winter period.
“We are continuing to work with our partners across local and national Government as well as in the voluntary sector to ensure Ukrainian arrivals receive all the support they need, both as soon as they arrive and for as long as they live in Essex.”
The increase in support will be funded through Government Homes for Ukraine funding.
Sponsors can find more information on the Homes for Ukraine scheme at our website.
Find out more about the cost of living support available to residents in Essex.