Decision details

In East Sussex, we want to support Homes for Ukraine sponsors to continue hosting their Ukrainians guests.  Our aim is that hosts can continue to provide suitable accommodation until their guests are ready and able to move on independently, thereby reducing the risk of homelessness.

The Lead Member is asked to note that sustaining host/guest arrangements is a key part of managing the risk of homelessness to Ukrainians on the Homes for Ukraine scheme.

The increased costs of providing accommodation this Winter and the rising cost of living will cause additional financial pressure on hosts at a time when many are considering whether they can continue hosting.  

The Lead Member is therefore asked to agree to a Winter top-up of £150 per month to the host thank you payment, paid from the Homes for Ukraine tariff grant, for a 6 month period.   

30.1    The Lead Member considered a report by the Director of Adult Social Care and Health regarding the Homes for Ukraine (HfU) host Winter top-up payments.

DECISIONS

30.2    The Lead Member RESOLVED to:

1) note that sustaining host/guest arrangements is a key part of managing the risk of homelessness to Ukrainians on the Homes for Ukraine scheme in the short to medium term;

2) note that increased costs this winter will cause additional pressure on hosts at a time when many are considering whether they can continue hosting; and

3) agree to a Winter top-up of the host thank you payment from the HfU tariff grant as set out in the report.

REASONS

30.3    National and local insight and feedback confirms that many host families are under financial pressure and that this is a key reason a significant proportion of hosts are considering ending their hosting arrangements.  With financial pressures increasing as we head into Winter, topping up host payments will give hosts additional financial security to enable and incentivise them to continue hosting.