About 28,000 Ukrainians who have found temporary refuge in Scotland since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022 may be left without housing due to the cessation of government payments to local families who have taken them in.
This is reported by Finway
Cancellation of Financial Support for Families
Previously, under the government program “Housing for Ukraine,” the former Conservative government of Scotland paid £500 per month to families providing shelter for Ukrainian refugees. This amount was later reduced to £350. However, the new Labour administration has decided to completely cancel these payments, which has raised serious concerns among the Ukrainian community and charities.
Reactions to the Program Cancellation and Possible Consequences
The cancellation of financial support has already been criticized by Scottish Conservatives, who called the decision “heartless” and “short-sighted.” The lack of grants may lead many landlords to ask Ukrainians to leave their homes, and the number of homelessness applications to local authorities is expected to rise sharply. At the same time, the homeless assistance system in Scotland is already operating at the limits of its capacity.
“Participants in the program were warned in advance that payments would last only 18 months,” emphasized the UK Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
The ministry highlighted that during this period, Ukrainian displaced persons were supposed to find alternative housing and prepare for independent living. Despite this, many refugees find themselves in a difficult situation due to ongoing uncertainty and rising rental costs in the UK.