Issue - meetings

The Panel is invited to comment on the Homes for Ukraine report and presentation.

By means of a report and presentation (copies of which are appended in the Minute Book) by the Community Development Officer, the Homes for Ukraine Scheme was presented to the Panel.

The Panel praised the hard work undertaken by and dedication of the team in facilitating the scheme.

Following a question from Councillor Bywater regarding long term plans for Ukrainian guests, the Panel heard that whilst the amount of variables and unknowns made this hard to judge, the team would endeavour to continue to support Ukrainian guests. The Panel requested a further update be brought in 12 months in order to monitor the situation.

Councillor Shaw enquired whether the changes to host payments had impacted upon the number of sponsors. The Panel were advised that whilst there had not been an increase in hosts, the payments had ensured that the number of hosts remained stable.

Following a question from Councillor Hunt, the Panel heard that funding had been secured for the initial two years of the scheme, however further funding opportunities would be sought to support the continuation of the scheme as long as it was needed in line with the Corporate Plan priorities.

The Panel heard, in response to a question from Councillor Alban, that should a guest relocate outside of the district, the Council would still receive some funding for the work done to support the guest.

The Panel were assured, following a question from Councillor Shaw, that work continued to ensure a ready supply of host families to support guests.

The Panel once again praised the dedication of the Officer and her team in supporting Ukrainian guests throughout the district.