Councils and Registered Social Landlords will be able to apply
for Scottish Government funding to bring properties into use and
increase the supply of housing for those fleeing the conflict in
Ukraine.
Through the Ukraine Longer Term Resettlement Fund, up to £50
million of funding will be made available to refurbish properties
that otherwise would not be available for let.
The homes provided will be good quality affordable homes and will
be available for rent for up to three years, in line with visa
length, after which some will continue to be available as social
rented homes.
Minister with Special Responsibility for Refugees from Ukraine
said:
“We are providing sanctuary to more displaced people per head of
population than any other part of the UK. Over the past seven
months more than 18,411 have arrived into the UK with a sponsor
located in Scotland. This exceeds our initial commitment to
support and welcome 3,000 people and we are proud we have been
able to provide a place of safety. We don’t want people spending
any longer than necessary in temporary accommodation so we are
working hard to find longer term, sustainable accommodation.
“We have been working closely with local authorities and social
landlords on proposals which could help meet the longer-term
needs of displaced people from Ukraine. This fund will boost the
supply of homes by bringing empty properties back into use across
the country.
“We’ve already provided £5 million for the refurbishment of up to
200 homes in North Lanarkshire. These works are progressing at
pace and are due to be completed later this year. A number of
homes have also been identified in other areas and we are working
closely with councils on other proposed projects.
“The safety and wellbeing of all displaced people from Ukraine is
our absolute priority and this additional funding will help those
displaced by this crisis to access a safe and secure home during
their time here.”
Background:
Councils and Registered Social Landlords will be responsible for
leasing arrangements and rent collection.
The latest published
data on the Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme including the
Scottish Government’s super sponsor scheme.
The data shows as at 20 September there were:
- 18,411 total arrivals with a sponsor located in Scotland, of
which 14,852 have come under the super sponsor scheme
- 35,754 applications under the super sponsor scheme
- 30,492 visas issued under the super sponsor scheme
