Rising costs could hit refugee shelter plans

ALMOST 100 visas have been issued for Ukrainians to stay with hosts in Barnsley – but a new survey reveals people who have opened their homes are becoming more reluctant to do so due to soaring bills.

Since March, Ukrainians fleeing the Russian invasion have been able to apply for a visa to stay in the UK.

The scheme, known as ‘Homes for Ukraine’, allows individuals to host refugees for a minimum of six months.

As of August 2, 90 visas had been issued for refugees staying with hosts in Barnsley – 58 of which had arrived in the UK as of the day before.

However, more than 70 per cent of hosts say the cost-of-living crisis has impacted their ability to provide support, according to the Refugee Council survey.

Almost half said an increase in the £350 monthly payments they receive would encourage them to provide accommodation longer term.