- 1,168 homes for people fleeing war in Ukraine.
Almost 1,200 long-term homes are being brought back into use for
those fleeing the war in Ukraine through an innovative approach.
The Scottish Government’s £50 million Ukraine Longer-Term
Resettlement Fund supports Local Authorities and Registered
Social Landlords to improve properties that are currently void.
The fund was launched in September 2022 following a successful
pilot and has so far provided 14 approved projects with £23
million of grant funding, helping to bring 1,168 homes back into
use.
Almost 1,000 Ukrainian people are already living in 450 of these
refurbished homes. A further 225 homes have been completed and
are in the process of being tenanted.
Social Justice Secretary announced the
latest figures on a visit to see progress at a housing site in
Edinburgh.
Ms Somerville said:
“We stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and are
determined to do all we can to help those who wish to build their
life here in Scotland.
“Our innovative £50 million programme provides a vital lifeline
for those fleeing the war by providing long-term and secure
accommodation through reclaimed empty homes. I am proud that
Scotland has been able to play its part and pleased to see us
reach and surpass the crucial milestone of 1,000 homes for
displaced Ukrainians.
“We have been able to house hundreds of families and individuals
in safe accommodation so far and we will continue to work closely
with councils and housing associations as we build on this
excellent progress.”
City of Edinburgh Council Housing, Homelessness, and Fair Work
Convener, Councillor Jane Meagher said:
“We are proud to continue our support of displaced Ukrainians,
and are committed to assisting those making their new lives here
in Edinburgh and beyond.
“The £50 million programme to refit currently empty properties is
very much welcomed and will make a positive difference to many
families. The approximately 100 homes in Edinburgh that will
benefit from the programme will initially be used to house
displaced Ukrainians, before ultimately being returned to our
council housing stock. Without the support of the programme it is
unlikely we would have been able to bring these properties back
into use for some time.
“However, it is important that we remember the scale of the
housing challenges our residents currently face, not just in
Edinburgh but across Scotland.”
“We will continue to work closely with the Scottish Government
and our other partners as we move forward.”
Background
In September 2022, following a successful pilot, the Scottish
Government launched the £50 million Ukraine Longer-Term
Resettlement Fund. The Fund was designed to offer displaced
people of Ukraine, settled accommodation for up to three years.
To date, the Scottish Government has provided 14 projects with
almost £23 million in grant funding which has helped to bring
back almost 1,200 homes. The fund remains open for applications.
The latest published data
on the Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme including the Scottish
Government’s Super Sponsor Scheme. The data shows as at 4 July
there were:
24,962 total arrivals into the UK with a sponsor located in
Scotland, of which 20,022 have come under the Super Sponsor
scheme.
38,304 applications under the Super Sponsor scheme.
32,601 visas issued under the Super Sponsor scheme.
