Urgent need for new host families for Ukrainian refugees

The Salisbury Community Hub for Ukraine says there is an urgent need for new host families of Ukrainian refugees in Salisbury.

According to the group, the lack of private rental property and social housing in the area means there is little chance of Ukraian families securing this kind of accommodation.

The Homes for Ukraine Scheme was very successful successful in Wiltshire, however it was only designed to last up to six months, with no obligation on householders to continue beyond that time. As many hosts now pass the half way mark, The Salisbury Community Hub for Ukraine are starting to think about longer term housing solutions.

The Salisbury Community Hub for Ukraine, set up in April 2022 to help people arriving from Ukraine and their hosts, holds weekly Friday coffee mornings at the Methodist Church in St Edmunds Church Street, Salisbury to allow Ukrainians to meet, relax and exchange information or seek advice.

At the groups most recent event, they discussed the possible next steps needed to rent property here in Wiltshire. Speakers included; Sam Reed, Lettings Manager from Connells Estate Agents, Nicole Smith, Head of Housing at Wiltshire Council and Suzie Mitchell from Salisbury Job Centre.

The evening addressed the problem of the lack of private rental property and social housing in the area. The processes for how Ukraine guests can claim additional social security support were also explained in detail. It was apparent that new hosts are needed to plug gaps along with wouldbe landlords who could be sitting on potential rental properties.

Jane Ebel from the Hub said, “At the Salisbury Community Hub for Ukraine we have been supporting our guests with advice, help and information since the invasion of Ukraine began. We have formed good relations with the County Council and the Department of Work & Pensions, becoming mini experts in the field! It has thus become apparent that our work supporting them must continue during this next phase if they are in need of a new home."

She continued, “We know even some of the most valiant of hosts are feeling they’ve ‘done their bit’ and many Ukrainians here in Salisbury will need to seek alternative hosts as there is little chance of Ukrainians securing rental property in the area with current demands so high."

If any householder in Salisbury feels they can step into the breach and take on a family or single person then please do come forward and get in touch with the Hub which runs an introducing service on 07341 141632, admin@salisburyukrainehub.org.uk or contact Wiltshire Council direct via H4U@wiltshire.gov.uk

The Hub hopes landlords with available properties not currently on the rental market will think about returning them to the housing stock to help. The Government also runs a Rent a Room in Your Home Scheme which allows a furnished room to be let to a lodger tax free up to a sum of £7,500 per annum which could also prove an attractive option for some.

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