Along with neighbouring authority BCP Council, Dorset Council is to provide additional funding of £250 per month for people who are hosting families from Ukraine after the initial six-month period.

As well, Dorset Council is providing an additional winter payment of up to £1,000 to all Homes for Ukraine hosts, both current and new.

Homes for Ukraine hosts have been receiving a £350 a month ‘thank you’ payment from the government since guests started to arrive in Dorset six months ago.

Cllr Laura Beddow, portfolio holder for Culture, Communities and Customer Services said: “We are pleased to announce this additional support which will enable local hosts to cover their increased cost of living while continuing to provide a safe haven to those Ukrainian refugees who have fled from the horrors of war.

“The council continues to work closely with residents, voluntary and community groups and partner authorities to ensure both hosts and Ukrainian guests receive the support they need.

“This includes putting in place a frontline service including a Ukraine Response Team and additional employees to support our Housing, Early Help and Resettlement Teams to undertake welfare, wellbeing, and accommodation checks, provide wider support to help guests find employment, give advice on housing options to guests when moving on to their own accommodation, and re-match guests to others hosts when they need to move on.”

Using the Homes for Ukraine funding from the government, up to £1,000 will be given per host household with two payments made on a case-by-case in November and February.

Further information about the Homes for Ukraine scheme and information for current and potential hosts and guests is available on the council website: https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/refugee-programme-in-dorset