Dear Constituent,

Thank you for your correspondence about housing Ukrainian refugees.

I am very pleased to report that the Homes for Ukraine scheme is now up and running. You can register your interest by visiting the website at https://homesforukraine.campaign.gov.uk/.

As my friend and colleague Michael Gove said in the Commons yesterday, this scheme draws on the enormous good will and generosity of the British public as well as our long tradition of helping the vulnerable in the hour of their greatest need.

Ukrainians with no ties to the UK will be allowed to be sponsored by individuals or organisations who can offer them a home, and there will be no limit to the number of Ukrainians who can benefit from it. It will be open to both citizens and residents of Ukraine and they will be able to live and work in the United Kingdom for an initial period of up to three years, with access to the same benefits and support as UK citizens and legal residents.

Sponsors will have to provide accommodation for a minimum of six months, and the Government will provide a monthly payment of £350 (tax free) to sponsors for every family they look after.

The Government has made very clear that the United Kingdom is standing by the people and government of Ukraine. The Prime Minister is in almost daily contact with President Zelensky, the Defence Secretary is providing military aid and materiel, while the Foreign Secretary has been co-ordinating diplomatic support for Ukraine. Meanwhile, the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the BEIS Secretary have implemented a sanctions regime against the Russian state and individuals associated with it tougher than any this country has introduced before.

Thank you again for taking the time to get in touch.

Yours,

EDWARD LEIGH MP