The Isle of Wight Council says the Island stands ready to support those who welcome refugees displaced by the war in Ukraine into their homes, confirming that Ukrainians will be eligible to stay for 3 years and claim benefits.
The government has unveiled its ‘Homes for Ukraine” scheme to pay families to open up their homes to people who have escaped the conflict.
There will be a process of vetting, security checks and matching offers of accommodation against the refugee families and individuals with an expectation of the accommodation being for a minimum of 6 months. Hosts will receive a payment of £350 per month.
The council is encouraging those who can to step forward with an offer of accommodation and help in supporting the resettlement of Ukrainian refugees on the Island. Any willing hosts can now register to take in refugees at https://homesforukraine.campaign.gov.uk.
While precise details of the visa process and sponsorship scheme are awaited, it is clear that under the scheme, Ukrainians who are matched and housed with a UK ‘sponsor’ will be granted leave to remain for 3 years. They will be able to work, claim benefits and access public services in that time.
Council leader, Councillor Lora Peacey Wilcox, said the council stood ready to contribute wherever it can. She said:
“The heart-breaking scenes being broadcast from Ukraine every single day has shocked the nation and many people want to share their support to the thousands of people that have fled their homes as the situation continues to escalate.
“We know the Island will extend a warm and generous welcome to displaced Ukrainians and that both as individuals and communities we will do whatever is needed locally to help with this humanitarian crisis.
Article continues below this advertisement “Indeed, many have already donated aid to ensure that when our guests do arrive they can be provided with everything they need in order to settle, feel safe and rebuild their lives as best they can.
“The community’s response to the crisis has been absolutely incredible. We’ve seen vehicles stocked with vital supplies leave the Island for Eastern Europe to support those forced to flee their homes, and I’m sure we’ll see many more over the coming weeks and months.
“Working together, and in partnership with other public bodies, charities and organisations, there is much positive work going on as we stand ready to respond in every way we can.”
There is a further programme through which Ukrainians resident in the UK, or UK residents can take in family members fleeing from Ukraine. Details are available at www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-a-ukraine-family-scheme-visa.
They should ask themselves how many clowns can you fit in a mini? they should know being clowns themselves..there is no more room for imports, they cannot even house the islanders but virtue signal this nonsense to us, its a disgrace..
They are only thinking about the 10k per refugee they are getting paid for nothing more nothing less
The IWCC fail to mention how much money they will receive, £40,000 per head isn’t it?? Correct me if I’m wrong. No wonder their ready to support the refugees.
As long as they don’t need a doctor or dentist.
They will be given priority over others
Let’s hope the vetting will be of a high standard for both genuine refugee families and especially individuals. The island would not want a Trojan Horse to transport more crime etc to the U.K.
The vetting will be of the people wanting to house them, not of the refugees. All manner of criminals will be coming over as usual.
I completely agree. Recently a hotel in Newbury/Thatcham cancelled all bookings in order to accommodate so called refugees. The crime rate immediately increased within the area. Hence my comment about the Trojan Horse. I spent 5 years working in various countries within Africa and I saw more racism against white people there than anywhere in the world, therefore racism works both ways.
Agree, but you don’t need to go to Africa, just go to London.
Let’s hope these poor Ukrainians don’t need to see a GP, Dentist or need an operation at our one and only struggling hospital!
They might think the island can take refugees, but come on, wake up IOW Council, really.
The previous comments are a disgusting reflection of the Xenophobia and Racism that is alive and kicking on the Isle of Wight. A beautiful place with many hateful people! I can’t wait to move back to Essex!
Only 6 more weeks..
Drive you to the ferry if you like, seeeeeeyaaaaaa…
Very true, racism is rife on the Island
Yes, you are right, but I believe that this is a good thing.
A beacon of hope, amongst the tragedy of which we call the mainland. # FREE SPEACH.COM.
I am ashamed of the comments on this post
It has nothing to do with racism for most of us thank you. But being born on this island we have seen very good services dwindle to barely non existent and have a job coping with the amount of people we have here now. Don’t get me wrong I really feel upset with what is happening in their lives but they won’t be happy here if we can’t provide basic health care here for them.
You think they have basic health care in Ukraine right now? They will be pleased just to be safe from missiles.
I totally agree.
So many people complain about not being enough services, too many houses being built, too many people living here. But yet i bet a lot of people who have this mindset are still having children. More births, more houses needed, more services needed.
A lot of people care more for their own little lives than that of people really in need. Only empathy they have is with their right wing, moaning attitudes.
nothing else matters, apart from our own little lives – you could always move and waste your time pandering to spongers and deadbeats if you want.
What about the Bell Hotel in Epping which is full of Afghan refugees who are causing all sorts of trouble for local residents. Is it no wonder that people show racism when crime is aimed at U.K. indigenous people.
I wonder if Bob Seely is taking some in
At £10k per refugee this inept IWC will be salivating.
The IWC are not fit to service the public that they already have.
I hope none of the people below ever become refugees. But there again it may make them a little more compassionate. We are talking mothers and children fleeing a war zone and yes I have a room for them and no I don’t want any money to do it.
Yes, I wish I had a big house I would fill it with Ukranians and try to shield them from the hateful, selfish, racist people that have comments on this website. They look to me to have not one ounce of education and uderstanding of world issues and humanitarianism. Small, tiny minds. Is this Island really as bad as all this? Makes me sick just reading it… in fact will probably stop looking at them altogether.
What are you on about ?
We are already refugees in our own country.
Pity the council are not as concerned over the island’s own needy residents as they are over foreigners.
exactly – the council should be saying – sorry full up – not enough space and services for existing residents
As long as none of the refugees are men fit for miletary service.Then I feel that we should do all we can to help.
why aren’t the women staying and fighting also – in this age of equality – talk about discrimination making the men stay – women want to be treated equally, but when the hard times arrive, the women run away.
Dont get me wrong plz,but shouldnt the council be accommodating our homeless first.you here about people cant find anywhere to rent ect.sort our islanders first,plz.