Ukrainian refugees in Middlesbrough looking for new homes after hosts don't extend stay

Ukrainian refugees in Middlesbrough are looking for new homes after their hosts did not extend their stays.

None of the residents who welcomed them into their homes earlier this year have continued to provide accommodation after six months. Since the start of the war in Ukraine in February this year, 55 refugees have arrived in Middlesbrough.

A total of 24 houses have been required for those fleeing the conflict. Hosts are able to provide accommodation for refugees for longer than the initial six months and are eligible for £350 'thank you' payments for the first twelve months.

However, in Middlesbrough, no hosts have rematched with the families who have lived with them after the first six months.

Now, 16 refugees are searching for new homes with the remainder either still within the six-month period or have found alternative accommodation.

Middlesbrough Council will be supporting Ukrainians to find a new place to live.

Four sponsorship agreements broke down completely this year meaning that Ukrainians had to leave their hosts' homes early. They moved out to hotels, their own accommodation, temporary accommodation and new sponsors.

Ukrainian refugees fleeing the conflict who enter the UK on a government visa scheme are immediately eligible for benefits and have the right to work. They also have access to public services including medical treatment and education.

According to the latest home office data, Middlesbrough has had 83 visa applications and 66 have been issued, in Stockton, there have been 203 applications and 169 issued, in Redcar, there have been 142 applications and 107 issued and in Hartlepool, there have been 82 applications and 60 issued.

Each person who arrives in Middlesbrough from Ukraine will receive a £200 interim payment to help with subsistence costs, which will be provided by the local authority.