Last week, BCP Council launched an appeal for landlords and second-home owners to register their interest in offering their homes to Ukrainian refugees, in anticipation of the government scheme being announced.

A local scheme was set up, but the government scheme has been launched, so the council is asking that people register on the national system instead.

Individuals, charities, community groups and businesses are all able to help house Ukrainians fleeing the war in their country.

Portfolio holder for People and Homes, Cllr Karen Rampton, said: “It has been heart-warming to see the amount of offers of support that we have received already.

“Now that this is up and running, those interested individuals and organisations with accommodation to offer in the BCP area should register with the national scheme rather than with the local scheme.

“Thank you again to everyone who has shown huge compassion in offering to accommodation. The team is now working through those who have contacted us previously and are signposting them to the national registration campaign, which will support Ukrainian refugees in a safe way.”

If you are able to offer a place to stay, you will be asked to provide a home or a spare room rent-free for as long as you are able, with a minimum stay of 6 months. In return, you can claim a payment of £350 per month from the government.

If you know someone from Ukraine that you would like to offer a home to, then you should contact them directly and prepare to fill in a visa application.

Cllr Rampton said the council would be working very closely with the government to coordinate arrivals into the BCP area. It is awaiting further guidance from the government on how the national campaign will work in practice.

Cllr Rampton said: “We’ll be working with our partners to make sure that the new arrivals will be warmly welcomed and supported whilst getting what they need to settle, whether that’s schooling for children, health care, employment or language courses.

“We will be working with the Home for Ukraine campaign and, through our well-established multi-agency approach to settling refugees, will be coordinating a wide range of support for our arrivals so that every person’s needs are well met.”

Find out more on the Homes for Ukraine website https://homesforukraine.campaign.gov.uk/