Sidmouth: Nearly 100 East Devon households offer homes to Ukraine refugees

Nearly 100 East Devon households have come forward to offer homes to Ukrainian refugees, potentially enough to accommodate up to 300 people.

Speaking at East Devon District Council's (EDDC) annual meeting, chair of the council Cllr Ian Thomas (Independent, Trinity) announced that approximately 95 households have now offered homes as part of the government's 'Homes for Ukraine' scheme.

EDDC, which is responsible for assessing the suitability of the accommodation, has completed 56 property inspections and has a further 29 scheduled.

Twenty-two families in East Devon have applied for a government support payment of £350 per month to help pay for the costs of hosting.

The council will work with the Citizen's Advice Bureau to support the refugees. It is also in talks with Devon County Council to formulate a policy for finding new hosts for refugees should a housing sponsorship arrangement break down.

Cllr Thomas said: "We recognise the need to do everything we can to prevent homelessness."

Almost 13 million people are believed to have fled their homes in Ukraine since Russia's invasion began in April, according to the United Nations (UN).

More than six million have left for neighbouring countries and at least another 6.5 million people are thought to be displaced inside Ukraine itself.