Three Ukrainian refugee households faced homelessness in BCP

Ukrainians fleeing the conflict with Russia can apply for a visa to stay in the UK under the Ukraine Family Scheme and Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme.

The Family Scheme allows Ukrainian nationals to stay with relatives already living in the UK, and the Sponsorship Scheme, also known as 'Homes for Ukraine' allows individuals to host refugees for a minimum of six months.

But the schemes have been beset with delays to processing visas – and some have warned of safeguarding issues and mismatches between hosts and refugees.

Home Office data shows three refugee households in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole were homeless or at risk of homelessness as of June 3, although the council has confirmed they since been matched with new hosts.

A spokesperson for the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities said: “All arrivals have access to benefits and public services, as well as the right to work or study, from the day they arrive.

“The overwhelming majority of people are settling in well but in the minority of cases where family or sponsor relationships break down, councils have a duty to ensure families are not left without a roof over their head.

“Councils also have access to a rematching service to find a new sponsor in cases under the Homes for Ukraine scheme.”

A spokesperson for BCP Council said: “BCP Council have supported three households under the Ukrainian family scheme to secure alternative accommodation and support as needed.

“We continue to work with all our Homes for Ukraine host families and Ukrainian households to provide advice and guidance, ensure people retain their accommodation wherever possible and seek to rematch where we can.

“Our web pages include a welcome pack with helpful information and contact information for any families or hosts that need to get in touch.”

In Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, 430 visas had been issued by June 14 and 306 refugees due to stay with sponsors in the area had arrived in the UK.