Nationally the Government has invested a further £150 million towards the Ukraine Homelessness Prevention Grant which empowers local authorities to support people to stay off the streets and foster a sense of communities for Ukrainians who have sought sanctuary in the UK.
Dr Neil Hudson, MP for Penrith and The Border, was one of the first MPs to stand up in the House of Commons and urge Ministers to widen and accelerate the Ukrainian visa system so as many of our allies could find shelter from Russia’s barbaric war. You can watch his intervention here: www.neilhudson.org.uk/news/penrith-mp-urges-government-act-more-urgently-give-sanctuary-ukrainian-refugees.
The funding has been allocated across the UK in reflection of the proportion of Homes for Ukraine arrivals and wider homelessness pressures in local areas. As such, Cumberland has received £254,695 and Westmorland & Furness £296,464.
More than 120,000 Ukrainians have now arrived here as part of the scheme, with the British public generously opening their arms and homes to our allies. Dr Hudson has supported many Ukrainians moving to Penrith and The Border with their visas and even shared an emotional meet with a Ukrainian family who have found sanctuary near Penrith.
Dr Neil Hudson, MP for Penrith and The Border, said:
“I must firstly thank my constituents, the great people of Penrith and The Border who have opened their doors and hearts with selfless generosity to those whose lives have been irreparably changed by this horrific war being waged by Russia.
“In Cumbria we have been allocated over half a million pounds to support our Ukrainian friends and allies into sustainable accommodation and to precent homelessness which is great news and I thank the Government for continuing to prioritise our friends and allies during such a dark time for Europe.”