Over 120,000 Ukrainians have now arrived in the UK through the Homes for Ukraine scheme. The generosity of families in Mid Sussex willing to open their homes to those seeking shelter has been extraordinary.
In December, the Government announced £150 million UK-wide funding as part of the wider £650 million support package for Ukrainians who have sought sanctuary in the UK. This funding will be made available to local authorities and devolved administrations in 2023/2024 to ensure Ukrainian guests can be supported to move into their own homes and reduce the risk of homelessness.
Today, I am pleased to confirm the allocation of this funding for Mid Sussex stands at £283,448. This funding has been allocated in relation to the proportion of Homes for Ukraine arrivals in each part of the UK.
Funding will be allocated to all local authorities in England reflecting both Homes for Ukraine arrival numbers reported for each local authority and wider homelessness pressures. As a top-up to the existing Homelessness Prevention Grant, this grant is ringfenced to ensure local authorities are resourced to prevent homelessness. I expect this funding will be prioritised for supporting our Ukrainian guests into sustainable accommodation, for example through access to the private rental sector, supporting employment access, and facilitating ongoing sponsorship into guests’ second year.