Warwickshire households which take in refugees from Ukraine will now be given £350 each month to help meet the costs of housing another person.

Since the war in Ukraine began last year more than 600 local households have hosted and supported nearly 1,000 refugees.

Warwickshire County Council has now agreed to give monthly payments for up to a year after guests arrive in the UK due to the current cost of living crisis.

From November the authority also agreed to offer an additional payment of £150 per month to all hosts who commit to their guests staying beyond six months.

Using the Homes for Ukraine funding from the government, the host is paid per month up to the 12-month payment, totalling an additional £900. The payment is tax-free and can be for either a single long staying guest, or multiple groups. 

Additionally, according to the new government's funding announcement, once a guest has been in the UK for 12 months, the 'thank you' payment will increase to £500 per month - even if the potential sponsor has not hosted before.  

With more families than ever needed to accommodate Ukrainian families, WCC's homes for Ukraine support team is holding a webinar on Thursday, 9 February, 18:30 pm to inform future sponsors about the scheme and the available support.  

Cllr Heather Timms said: "The Homes for Ukraine scheme draws on the huge generosity and goodwill of Warwickshire residents.  I encourage everyone that is considering hosting to join the webinar and get well informed about the scheme.  

"We appreciate that becoming a host and opening your home to strangers is a very important decision, and a big commitment but Warwickshire residents who have joined the scheme so far, are making a massive difference to innocent people whose lives have been torn apart and feedback has been that it is a rewarding and fulfilling experience for them.   

"If you feel you are able and would like to take this step, please know that the county council, its partners and many residents in Warwickshire will be there to support you. 

"By opening your home and by offering your time and generosity, you will be living up to the values that Warwickshire represents". 

To book your place please visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/warwickshire-homes-for-ukraine-scheme-new-sponsors-webinar-tickets-474611133677