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Support for Ukraine

We have all been horrified by the events that have unfolded in Ukraine and as a county, we stand with all those affected.

Staffordshire and the County Council have a proud history of helping those who have had no choice but to flee war or persecution.

We are working with the government and our partners to help the Ukrainian people in any way we can.

 

Information for Sponsors and Guests

Information for sponsors and guests who are part of the government's Homes for Ukraine or Ukrainian Families scheme can be found on the Staffordshire Connects website.

 

How you can help

The easiest way to support those fleeing Ukraine is by donating to charities providing humanitarian relief.

By giving money to the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal you will help provide food, water, shelter and healthcare to refugees and displaced families. The DEC is made up of several charities, and the UK Government has so far matched, pound-for-pound, £25m of public donations to this appeal.

The Red Cross and UNICEF are also running appeals.

There are many other organisations across the UK and internationally who have launched appeals. To check the status of an organisation, and ensure your money is going to the right place, you can:

  • Check the charity’s name and registration number using the search the charity register tool
  • Most charities with an income of £5,000 or more must be registered, which means they are regulated by The Charity Commission
  • Make sure the charity is genuine before giving any financial information

 

Ukraine Family Scheme

The Ukraine Family Scheme allows family members of British nationals, UK settled persons and certain others to come to or stay in the UK.

Guidance for family members of British nationals, UK settled persons and certain others to come to or stay in the UK under the Ukraine Family Scheme can be found here: Apply for a Ukraine Family Scheme visa.

 

Homes for Ukraine scheme

Individuals, charities, community groups and businesses can become a sponsor for refugees who wish to come to the UK, but have no family ties here.

Find out more about the Homes for Ukraine scheme

Homes for Ukraine – Frequently Asked Questions

Sponsors

Answer:
Potential Sponsors will record their interest with the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) via the Government Portal. On receipt of this expression of interest, DLUHC will contact the Potential Sponsor. The Sponsor should make their own arrangements to be matched with a Guest from Ukraine before supporting the submission of a Visa Application to the Home Office.
Answer:
It is critical that we welcome families to Staffordshire safely, in a way that protects everyone from harm by making sure we have the checks and safeguards in place for both those fleeing the conflict and those opening their homes to strangers. To help us achieve this, we will be undertaking a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check as well as undertaking checks against information we hold about you, including through Children’s Social Care and Adult Social Care. We will also be undertaking a visit is to ensure your accommodation and living arrangements are suitable for your Guests. During this visit, we would kindly ask that all areas of your property are made available to the local Council’s
Answer:

You will shortly receive a Registration & Support Pack from Staffordshire County Council. This will outline the next steps for your household in completing the relevant checks; a requirement set out by the Home Office and the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.

Answer:

We acknowledge that you will want to be certain that you are in a secure position to offer a stable home to someone who needs it. You have the option to receive a monthly payment of £350 paid in arrears, for up to 12 months, as long as you are hosting your Guests and that the accommodation provided is of a suitable standard. You will be eligible for the first monthly payment once the Registration & Support Pack along with the relevant checks have been completed and you have received a confirmation letter from the County Council. For those Sponsors in receipt of welfare payments, the government has made assurances that ‘thank you’ payments will not affect benefit entitlements. ‘Thank you’ payments will also not affect any council tax discounts for those Sponsors in single occupancy. They will be tax free. Following the completion of the above Checks, we will make contact to outline the next steps for payments.

Answer:

You will be eligible for the first monthly payment once the Registration & Support Pack along with the relevant checks have been completed and you have received a confirmation letter from the County Council.

Answer:

Twelve Months but should your Guest/s leave before this period, your payments will stop.

Answer:

If for any reason you need to end the sponsorship arrangement early, Sponsors should inform the County Council by emailing: ukraine@staffordshire.gov.uk. If your Guests require emergency housing, please contact your District or Borough Council as soon as possible. 

Answer:

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities has sponsor guidance:

Homes for Ukraine: sponsor guidance

 

Homes for Ukraine National FAQs:

Homes for Ukraine scheme: frequently asked questions

 

Alternatively contact ukraine@staffordshire.gov.uk

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District & Borough Councils/Partners

Answer:
Potential Sponsors will record their interest with the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) via the Government Portal. On receipt of this expression of interest, DLUHC will contact the Potential Sponsor. The Sponsor should make their own arrangements to be matched with a Guest from Ukraine before supporting the submission of a Visa Application to the Home Office.
Answer:

The relevant District or Borough Council will undertake a Household Property Check, using the pre-populated Property Inspection Assessment Form issued by the County Council. If the property will be used in sole occupation by the Guests, the District or Borough Council is required to complete the Property Inspection Assessment Form in addition to their own checks relating to the Housing Health & Safety Rating Scheme, confirming compliance to the County Council.

Answer:
District & Borough Councils will receive an email notification. The County Council will issue a Household Property Check Request Notification to the relevant District & Borough Council via the Ukraine Response SharePoint. The District & Borough Council will make arrangements to undertake a Household Property Check, using the Property Inspection Assessment Form which will have been pre-populated by the County Council.
Answer:

The relevant District & Borough Council will return the Property Household Inspection Assessment Form by uploading it to the relevant Unique Household Folder on the Ukraine Response SharePoint. Should a District & Borough Council make recommendations in relation to the property, these will be issued in writing to the Lead Sponsor by the County Council. However, should the District & Borough Council require improvements to the property, the District or Borough Council will need to determine if approval is granted conditionally or unconditionally.

Answer:
When the District & Borough Councils receive an email notification from the County Council.
Answer:

We are still agreeing who will administer the payments. However it is anticipated there will be two payments one for the sponsor and the guests arriving.

  • The payment to the guest is for £200 as a one off payment. This will be administered to all guests arriving.
  • The payment to the sponsor is for £350 per month for up to 12 months. This payment will be made in arrears and is based on the guest still residing in the property.
Answer:

Yes, District & Borough Councils will need to make the payment one month in arrears from the   point of which the Guests arrived at the property.

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Useful links for sponsors and guests

Finance

Free support is available to anyone wanting to claim Universal Credit by calling the Universal Credit helpline on 0800 328 5644. Alternatively, you can contact the Citizens Advice Bureau for help to claim.

The Money Helper service offers helpful advice on bank accounts, including choosing the right account, opening an account and fee free accounts.

Healthcare

All families and individuals arriving in the UK should register with a GP (doctor) for everyday health issues. 

In the event of having an urgent healthcare need, the NHS free number should be contacted via 111, it directs to the right local service, first time.

You can find where you local dentists are by visiting the NHS website.

The local Healthwatch service may be able to give information about services in the area or raise a concerns regarding availability.

Doctors of the World – series of translated leaflet resources;

  • ‘How to register with a GP and book a COVID-19 vaccine’ - Translated leaflet and video explaining how to register with a GP and book a COVID-19 vaccine - How to register with a GP and book a COVID-19 vaccine
  • ‘Migrants’ right to healthcare’ - Translated leaflet explaining migrants’ right to healthcare in the UK - Migrants' right to healthcare
  • ‘How the NHS works’ -Translated leaflet explaining the different services within the NHS and how to seek medical advice and healthcare - How the NHS works
  • ‘NHS charging information’ -Information about NHS charges for maternity care for Ukrainian women and families - Maternity action website

Early Years and Education

Support for families who need early years provision

Support for families who need school places

Newly arrived families and individuals are also able to join their local library

 

What role will councils play in this?

Local councils are vital to the success of the Homes for Ukraine scheme. Councils are expected to offer support such as:

  • Initial reception of evacuees into the county
  • Provision of education and the coordination of other service provision
  • Specialist service referrals, for example mental health services, adult social care and children’s services
  • Work and benefits (this will be provided by district and borough councils)
  • Payments to sponsors

We will be working with our local district and borough councils, schools and local health providers to ensure refugees are welcomed and have everything they need.

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