I have written to the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities to ask whether he has plans to enable community organisations, such as charities, to directly sponsor Ukrainian refugees.
I am pleased that the UK Government are exploring ways in which charities and NGOs will be able to build connections between sponsors and Ukrainians.
The Homes for Ukraine scheme has been a huge success. The UK public has welcomed the people of Ukraine, with over 29,000 visas being issued.
Question to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities:
To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities, whether he has plans to (a) enable businesses and community organisations, such as charities, to directly sponsor refugees under the Homes for Ukraine scheme and (b) provide financial support to those organisations for doing so.
Answer from the Minister:
The initial phase of the Homes for Ukraine scheme is designed for sponsors with a named Ukrainian beneficiary. We are exploring ways in which connections can be built between sponsors and Ukrainians that do not yet know each other, including working with NGO’s.
