**Devon Council Steps In to Support Host Families After Funding Cut**
In a move to ease the financial burden on families hosting Ukrainian refugees in Devon, North Devon Council has announced that it will provide an additional £75 per month for each host household. This comes after the government cut funding from £500 to £350 per month due to public finance pressures.
The council’s decision is aimed at mitigating the impact of the reduced government funding and preventing hosts from stopping their support. According to Council Chief Executive Ken Miles, the potential demand on homelessness services could increase if hosts are unable to continue supporting Ukrainian families. “It’s much better for us to pay that £75 and reduce the potential demand on the homelessness service,” Mr. Miles said.
This move has been praised by Councillor Helen Walker, who is also a host for Ukrainians herself. She commended the council’s decision, saying it was a “very sensible upgrade.” The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) reported that over 2,300 Ukrainians have arrived in Devon under the Homes for Ukraine scheme, with 63 currently residing in North Devon.
**A Temporary Solution to a Bigger Problem?**
While this additional funding will provide some relief for host families, it remains to be seen whether it will address the underlying concerns about the long-term viability of hosting Ukrainian refugees. The government’s decision to reduce payments was also intended to support the transition to a new scheme that allows Ukrainian refugees to stay for another 18 months once their three-year visa runs out.
However, this move may not go far enough in addressing the needs of host families. Many had relied on the £500 monthly payment to help cover the costs of hosting Ukrainian families, which can include expenses such as food, clothing, and accommodation. While the council’s top-up payments will help mitigate the impact of the reduced funding, it is unclear whether they will be sufficient to prevent hosts from stopping their support.
**A Community Response**
The response to this crisis from North Devon Council has been praised by many in the community. Councillor Walker’s comments highlight the sense of shared responsibility and community spirit that exists among host families and local authorities. The council’s decision to use part of the government’s refugee resettlement fund to cover top-up payments demonstrates a commitment to supporting both host families and Ukrainian refugees.
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how this will affect the lives of Ukrainian refugees in Devon. While this additional funding is a welcome relief for host families, it is essential that longer-term solutions are explored to ensure that support for these families can continue without undue financial burden.
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