WG underestimated Ukrainian refugee numbers
THE WELSH GOVERNMENT worked well with partners in difficult circumstances to accommodate and support Ukrainians fleeing the Russian war machine.
However, more arrivals than expected were made through the Welsh Government’s super sponsor scheme, and over- optimism about how long those arriving would stay in their initial accommodation led to higher costs.
SUPER SPONSORS
In March 2022, the UK Government announced plans to allow those fleeing war in Ukraine to enter the UK.
Following this announcement, Welsh Ministers decided that the Welsh Government would take responsibility for Ukrainians as a ‘Homes for Ukraine’ super- sponsor, which meant people did not need to be matched with a host before receiving a visa.
In keeping he super sponsor scheme open until June 2022, the Welsh Government prioritised supporting the 1,000 arrivals it said it would during the initial phase of the emergency response. It did this despite the possibility of significantly more Ukrainians arriving, as happened.
By October 2023, the super sponsor scheme accounted for 3,232 – 45% of the 7,118 Ukrainian arrivals with a host in Wales or through the scheme.
A report from Audit Wales finds that, overall, the Welsh Government and partners worked well together to help Ukrainians access mainstream public services. However, there have been some issues around access to healthcare.
A contact centre played a vital role in coordinating arrivals and providing advice.
STRENGTHENING FOCUS
Since the initial phase of the response, the Welsh Government and partners have strengthened their focus on supporting Ukrainians in moving out of Welcome Centres and other initial accommodation.
At the peak in October 2022, 32 sites were open, accommodating 1,840 people.
By January 2024, that had fallen to 4 sites, accommodating 128 people.
Just two sites are planned to remain open in 2024- 25.
The Welsh Government initially estimated it would cost around £ 18 million to accommodate 1,000 Ukrainians in Welcome Centres.
More arrivals and longer- than- expected stays in Welcome Centres with other initial accommodations caused costs to rise overall and put added pressure on wider public services.
The accommodation costs varied significantly, but auditors saw evidence of the Welsh Government seeking to secure value for money.
The Welsh Government spent £ 61 million on the Ukraine response during 2022- 23, including accommodation and other costs.
Taking account of UK Government funding, Audit Wales estimates the net cost to the Welsh Government was at least £ 29.2 million.
L o w e r accommodation costs mean the Welsh Government expects to spend £ 35.7 million or less in 2023- 24, with most of the costs met from its own budget.
The Welsh Government has budgeted £ 4.5 million for 2024- 25, excluding local government homelessness support.
FUTURE RELIES ON UK GOVERNMENT FUNDING
Ukrainians’ longerterm position depends on UK and international developments and decisions.
Auditor General Adrian Crompton said: “I recognise the considerable efforts involved as Welsh public services and their partners have responded to accommodate and support people arriving from Ukraine. All this at a time when services have been dealing with the legacy of the pandemic and wider pressure on resources.
“The work must continue in the context of wider UK Government decision- making and the events in Ukraine.
“It is good to reflect positively on the overall management of the response under the Welsh Government’s super sponsor scheme. Nonetheless, there are important lessons for the future, including around the Welsh Government’s early assessment of the number of arrivals, how they would be accommodated, and the costs arising from the response.”
The UK Government’s role in providing ongoing support and a warm welcome to Ukrainian and Afghan refugees is paramount.
Its centrality to humanitarian relief undermines repeated efforts to sound a racist and xenophobic dog whistle about the Welsh Government’s basic income payments to unaccompanied child refugees who leave care. Such interventions from the lunatic fringe add credence to the suggestion that some politicians’ compassion checked out with their common sense and decency.
The Welsh Government is already cutting support for Ukrainian refugees.
The Welcome Ticket, which enabled all refugees, including Ukrainians and Afghans, to travel for free on public transport in Wales, will be withdrawn from Monday, April 1.
Sioned Williams MS, Plaid Cymru spokesperson on Social Justice, has expressed “deep dismay” that Labour has cut funding for a service that others have called “vital.”
A Swansea City of Sanctuary spokesperson said the scheme has made a “real difference for those who are beginning to build their lives in Wales” and added that they “worry that the gap in this scheme will worsen issues of discrimination and exclusion.”
Swansea was Wales’ first city to be declared a City of Sanctuary and only the second in the UK.
While the Welsh Government has said they are reviewing the scheme with an “intention to establish a new phase of the Welcome Ticket scheme in 2024”, there are, as yet, no details on what this scheme might entail or when it might appear.
Sioned Williams MS, Plaid Cymru spokesperson for Social Justice and Member of Senedd for South Wales West, said: “Providing free public transport to those who have had to flee war and famine might be a small gesture, but it’s of real value to those who have started to try and rebuild their lives here in Wales.
“It’s so important that there isn’t a gap in provision, but as we get nearer the final date with no further news from the Welsh Government, there’s a real fear that those seeking sanctuary in Wales will be left stranded.
A Swansea City of Sanctuary spokesperson said: “The Welcome Ticket scheme has been vital in providing essential mobility for refugees in Wales, offering people the means to access vital services, employment opportunities, and community engagement. It has made a real difference for those building their lives in Wales.
“We worry that the gap in this scheme will worsen issues of discrimination and exclusion.
“Any transition between schemes must prioritise the continuity of support for refugees and address issues that arose during the implementation of the Welcome Ticket scheme.”
SCROOGE McGETHING CUTS SUPPORT