Welcome hubs are being set up at airports, ports and train
stations across the country to welcome Ukrainians, backed by
almost £2m of government funding.
27 local authorities will receive a share of £1.87m to run
31 different hubs across the country.
Hubs are already up and running at major airports including at
Luton, Gatwick, Stansted, Birmingham, Manchester and St Pancras
International Train Station, with many more on standby if needed
at short notice.
They will provide food, clothing, and sanitary products to new
arrivals, act as a space for matched families to meet one another
and help Ukrainians travel onward to their accommodation.
Emergency £200 cash grants will also be available for those that
need it.
Refugees Minister Lord Harrington said:
“The response of the British public has been incredible, opening
their hearts and homes to the people of Ukraine.
“Welcome hubs at airports and train stations right across the
country stand ready to aid Ukrainians and their families as soon
as they arrive in the UK.
“Together with the British public, we are doing everything in our
power to ensure Ukrainians arrive safely and are supported to
rebuild their lives here.”
Councillor Aslam Khan, Deputy Leader, Luton Council,
said:
“Once again Luton and the wider region has stepped up to the
plate at a moment of great crisis and deep tragedy. In a short
space of time many different organisations have come together and
been working around the clock to provide a warm welcome and
practical support to those whose lives have been violently
disrupted by the Russian invasion of their country.
“We are delighted that the Department for Levelling Up Housing
and Communities has provided funding which will not only allow us
to improve the offer of support available, but make the operation
more sustainable in the medium term.”
The government is giving councils £10,500 funding per person
under the Homes for Ukraine scheme to cover arrival costs,
safeguarding inspections and access to public services.
Up to £8,755 additional funding is also available per child for
education.
The government is working closely with councils on Homes for
Ukraine and has published further guidance this
week with information and advice on the scheme.
