New fund to continue support for Ukrainian refugees

More than 1,400 Ukrainian refugees are living in Derbyshire

New government funding will be used to continue supporting hundreds of Ukrainian refugees living in Derbyshire.

More than 1,700 Ukrainians have arrived in Derbyshire under the government's Homes for Ukraine scheme, which launched following the Russian invasion. Around 1,400 remain, with 150 new arrivals each year.

Derbyshire County Council signed off a £2.16m funding package aimed at supporting host households, and helping refugees get jobs and move into private rented accommodation.

Dawn Abbott, cabinet member for health and communities at the authority, said it was important to receive and distribute funding to support them.

The council said Ukrainian refugees live within 280 host households, with the remainder of guests living in rented properties.

Ukrainians coming to the UK under this scheme are granted three-year visas to stay in the country.

Abbott said: "It's important that we continue to receive and distribute funding to support Ukrainian guests who have experienced huge trauma and upheaval, supporting our commitment to create empowered communities where people live safe, happy, healthy and independent lives.

"I'd like to thank host households across the county for their continued support in providing safe and secure homes for those in need."