Agenda item

Cllr Kathy Williams sought Cabinet ratification of the decision taken by the Director of Public Health, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care Delivery, and the Corporate Leadership Team, to allocate Homes for Ukraine (HFU) Scheme grant funding received by the council from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) in accordance with the conditions of the grant; and to seek delegated authority in relation to the future allocation of funding on the basis described hereunder.

Having considered all of the information, Cabinet noted the report and

RESOLVED to:

a) Ratify  a decision taken by the Director of Public Heath, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care Delivery, and the Corporate Leadership Team, to allocate (in accordance with Government “Homes for Ukraine” guidance and UK subsidy control regime requirements) Homes for Ukraine Scheme grant funding received by the council from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC). Such funding was allocated during the period 28 March 2022 to 23 November 2022 to the activities described in Appendix 1 of this report in the proportions described therein.

b) Delegate authority to the Director of Public Health, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care Delivery and the Deputy Chief Executive & Executive Director of Corporate Resources, to consider and, if appropriate, approve the allocation (in accordance with Government “Homes for Ukraine” guidance and UK subsidy control regime requirements) of future Homes for Ukraine Scheme grant funding. Such funding shall be allocated from 23 November 2022 onwards to the activities described in Appendix 1 of this report in the proportions described therein.

Cllr Kathy Williams sought Cabinet ratification of the decision taken by the Director of Public Health, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care Delivery, and the Corporate Leadership Team, to allocate Homes for Ukraine (HFU) Scheme grant funding received by the council from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) in accordance with the conditions of the grant; and to seek delegated authority in relation to the future allocation of funding on the basis described in the report.

The Homes for Ukraine (HFU) Scheme allowed Ukrainian nationals and their immediate family members to be sponsored by individuals or organisations who could offer them a home in the UK. Ukrainian guests were able to live and work in the UK for up to three years, as well as having access to healthcare, employment, benefits and other support.

National government had provided funding of £10,500 per guest, with an additional top-up for child education. This would be paid to upper tier authorities for funding support to Ukrainian guests when they arrived in the UK. Although £200 of this funding was designated as a ‘welcome’ payment for newly arrived guests, the remainder was un-ringfenced.

Broadly, the costs associated with the HFU scheme fit into the following categories:

On become aware that he had a disclosable pecuniary interest in this matter, Cllr Stephen Davies declared that interest and left the room for the remainder of that item. 

Members commented on how well the scheme was being run and acknowledged the support provided by schools. A large amount of work had been carried out over a number of years to support individuals coming into the County away from conflict. 

Having considered all of the information, Cabinet noted the report and

RESOLVED to:

a) Ratify a decision taken by the Director of Public Heath, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care Delivery, and the Corporate Leadership Team, to allocate (in accordance with Government “Homes for Ukraine” guidance and UK subsidy control regime requirements) Homes for Ukraine Scheme grant funding received by the council from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC). Such funding was allocated during the period 28 March 2022 to 23 November 2022 to the activities described in Appendix 1 of this report in the proportions described therein.

b) Delegate authority to the Director of Public Health, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care Delivery and the Deputy Chief Executive & Executive Director of Corporate Resources, to consider and, if appropriate, approve the allocation (in accordance with Government “Homes for Ukraine” guidance and UK subsidy control regime requirements) of future Homes for Ukraine Scheme grant funding. Such funding shall be allocated from 23 November 2022 onwards to the activities described in Appendix 1 of this report in the proportions described therein.