More than 100,000 Britons have offered up their homes to Ukrainian refugees, Boris Johnson has said.
The prime minister said it was “fantastic” and thanked “everyone across the country who has stepped up to offer their help so far”.
A website where people can register their interest in providing a home for at least six months to Ukrainians fleeing the war with Russia was only launched at 4pm yesterday.
Cabinet minister Michael Gove announced the Homes for Ukraine scheme was open on Monday and said there will be no limit to the number of Ukrainian refugees who can come to the UK.
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Within the first hour of the website going live 1,500 people registered their offer to support. Hosts will get £350 tax-free a month for opening their homes to refugees.
Any Ukrainian national or immediate family member of a Ukrainian national, if they were resident in Ukraine prior to 1 January this year, is eligible for the scheme.
They do not need to have existing family ties to the UK.
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How will the scheme work?
Those in the UK who have a spare room, or separate self-contained accommodation that is unocccupied, are being asked to offer to house Ukrainians for a period of at least six months.
As an immediate step, those wishing to make such an offer are being asked to register their interest on the new “Homes for Ukraine” website.
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Under the first phase of the scheme, offers must be made to a specific person or people.
Charities and other organisations might be able to help those offering accommodation to make contact with a named person.
Checks will be undertaken on individuals offering to host refugees, but Mr Gove said full DBS checks would not be needed.
Local councils may also check that the accommodation being offered is appropriate.
Sponsors can be of any nationality with any immigration status, provided they have at least six months leave to remain within the UK.
It is free for Ukrainians to apply for the scheme.
Financial support for refugees
Local councils will be offered £10,000 per individual refugee to provide them wider support in the UK.
Additional funding will be provided for children to go to school and all refugees will be able to access all NHS services for free.
All those coming from Ukraine under the scheme will be able to apply for benefits and to seek and take up employment.
They will be granted leave to remain in the UK for three years and be able to access public services, such as the NHS and schooling.
