Newly arrived Ukrainian refugees to the UK are registering as homeless, leaving local councils to “pick up the pieces” and arrange emergency housing for them. The government has provided no additional emergency funding leaving cash-strapped councils facing additional homelessness with traumatised people.
The Local Government Association, which represents councils across England and Wales, gave evidence on support for Ukrainian refugees to the Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Select Committee this morning (March 30).
The LGA raised concerns about a lack of data being provided to councils about those arriving under the Ukrainian Family Scheme or people who have registered to sponsor a Ukrainian individual/family through the Homes for Ukraine scheme. The LGA also said the data being given to councils around the Homes for Ukraine scheme was not complete.
The LGA has also released details of its survey showing 57 councils have seen homeless Ukrainians arriving in the UK under both schemes. In other words, some people have registered their spare rooms under the scheme and have then withdrawn them when Ukrainians actually turn up.
The Home Office is woefully prepared for an emergency like the humanitarian crisis involving Ukrainians fleeing from their country. Brexit has effectively ensured the system is more geared up to stop anyone entering the UK, not welcome them as refugees.
Cllr James Jamieson, Chairman of the LGA, said:
“Councils recognise the tremendous humanitarian crisis and the very difficult situation facing millions of Ukrainians and will do all that they can support as many people as possible.
“Data is fundamentally important. Councils are not getting any data on who is arriving through the family scheme and that is a significant issue because most of the people who are coming at the moment are coming through the family scheme. We are also not getting any information on people who have volunteered to sponsor people, so we are not able to get ahead of the game on checks and support.
“We are getting data, reasonably timely, when the matching has taken place. But that data – if I am being generous – needs cleaning. We are not getting that contextual information on families and that is really important.
“If we knew where the sponsors were, we would have the opportunity to check the properties out before the families arrive and would meet the people offering accommodation. Any idea about the needs of new arrivals, particularly traumatisation, pregnancy, disability, will hopefully mean fewer breakdowns but also gives councils an opportunity before they arrive to prepare.
“At the moment my understanding is the checks are being done after the visa has been issued. There may be a situation where someone arrives and three days later it is decided it is not suitable accommodation.”