£2.2 million for Isle of Wight Ukranian refugees
The Isle of Wight Council has been awarded more than £2 million to buy accomodation for Ukranian refugees
It could support nine families who settled on the Island, of the more than 200 Ukranians who arrived here.
The £2.2 million comes from the Homes for Ukraine grants and can only be used for this purpose – part of the government’s £150 million fund to support those who fled following Russia’s invasion.
No homes have been bought yet and the Isle of Wight Council says it will not impact the authority’s ability to support Island families and those who are homeless.
The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities said the money will help reduce the risk of Ukrainians becoming homeless as they try to find alternative places to live.
Currently, the majority of refugees are being housed with host families.
Latest figures show, between the start of the war and July 18, 2023, 255 Ukrainians have arrived on the Island, sponsored by families to get visas.
Around 350 Ukrainians originally applied for visas, supported by Island residents, but only 306 were issued and even fewer people arrived.