Support for Ukraine refugees to be discussed at Executive

07 July 2022

During next week’s meeting of North Northamptonshire Council’s (NNC) Executive on Thursday 14 July, the council’s Homes for Ukraine programme will be discussed.

NNC will be receiving funding from the government to support families to rebuild their lives and integrate into local communities.

An NNC report being taken to Executive is proposed that funding from central government is used to develop and recruit a Refugee Resettlement team to provide support and technical guidance for those arriving in North Northamptonshire, sponsors and families.

Responsibilities by NNC currently include accommodation checks, safeguarding checks and management of emergency payments to guests and the ‘Thank You’ payments to sponsors.

There are currently 322 guests who have arrived in North Northamptonshire. To date, a further 130 guests are expected to arrive in the coming weeks, once their visas have been issued and their travel arrangements made. Across North Northamptonshire, there are some 200 sponsor households who have kindly opened their homes to those leaving Ukraine, and a further 1,200 who have expressed an interest to host awaiting a match to be made. 

“During the meeting on 14 July, we will discuss how best to utilise our funding from central government. Our teams are currently working hard to support those families and individuals coming over from Ukraine and we want to ensure the funding is used in the best way to support those most in the need.

“But we couldn’t offer this support and help without the local residents, sponsors and communities who have come forward to support those coming over from Ukraine.”Cllr Helen Harrison, the council’s Executive Member for Adults, Health and Wellbeing

“This proposal, if approved, will ensure we can continue to safeguard and support those arriving from Ukraine in a clear approach. Like all councils across the country, we are working within national policy and guidelines and are working as quickly as possible, so appreciate sponsors and guests’ patience and understanding whilst we work to those.”Cllr Jason Smithers, leader of the council

The Executive will meet on Thursday 14 July at 10am and the papers are available online.