Essex County Council sets aside £800,000 to help Ukrainian refugees secure private rentals
Essex: A new fund of £800,000 is being set up to help Ukrainian refugees find private rented homes. This initiative is part of the Homes for Ukraine scheme, which has already helped over 2,345 Ukrainians settle in Essex.
Right now, there are about 600 more applications in the pipeline. On average, around 50 new applications come in every month. Sponsors who host these guests currently receive monthly payments between £350 and £500, depending on how long the guests have been in the UK. Essex County Council also chips in an extra £200 each month to encourage continued hosting and prevent homelessness.
Starting in April, the thank you payments will drop to a flat rate of £350 and will last for 18 months. The council emphasizes the importance of helping guests transition to private rentals to avoid a spike in homelessness.
Families can claim up to £2,000, while single adults can get £1,000. To qualify, they must have been with a sponsor for over three months and be moving directly to a rental for the first time.
They won’t need to prove how they spend the money, but it can cover moving costs, furnishings, and decorating. Essex County Council noted that moving costs for these refugees are often higher than for most UK citizens, as many left their homes with very few belongings.
Setting up new homes can be tough without family or friends nearby for support. The council aims to provide consistent help across Essex, allowing these individuals to settle into their new lives more easily.
While some areas have charity support, it’s not always available. The new fund could ease the financial burden on sponsors, who sometimes feel pressured to help their guests financially.
Essex County Council confirmed that this fund aligns with the grant terms from the Homes for Ukraine scheme, ensuring minimal financial impact on the council itself.
