It’s a bit long, but here’s an edited bit from one council’s info about the Ukrainian “guest” system.
NB offers to accommodate 144 guests - 11 have arrived.
Pathway
• The pathway for administering / maintaining the Government portal (case management system) is in place and continues to adapt, it ensures that the five requirements as set out by Government below are adhered to. The process commences via an initial conversation with the sponsor to confirm the accuracy of the detail we have on the portal.
• Councils are expected to undertake the following;
o On receipt of notification that a visa has been applied for, ascertain that the sponsoring address exists and can be used as residential accommodation.
o At the earliest opportunity, visit that address and assess its suitable to accommodate the proposed guests.
o As soon as alerted that a visa application has been made, initiate basic DBS checks on all over-16s in the sponsor household, and enhanced DBS checks on all over-16s if the guests will include children under 18 or vulnerable adults.
o Confirm that the guests have arrived at the accommodation.
o Complete safeguarding checks and visit the guests in their accommodation and confirm there are no serious concerns.
As at 21 April 2022 we have been notified of 58 sponsor addresses across the authority who have offered to accommodate 144 Guests (ages ranging from 2 – 76 years old).
• According to our confirmed information there are 8 Ukrainians across 3 sponsor households that have arrived, although the Government portal indicates 11.
Financial Support for Guests
• Guests will be entitled to an emergency payment of £200 whilst they await access to benefits / support which is to be taken from the £10,500 tariff the Council receives per person to provide wrap around support. This emergency payment does not need to be repaid by the guest.
Funding for the Council
• As yet, there has been no confirmation as to when the funding will be received by the Council.
• The Council will receive a tariff of £10,500 per person which is to cover all wrap around support, including emergency payments and DBS checks, it remains to be seen whether this payment will ultimately be sufficient and will be dependent upon the individual needs of the person.
• Funding for Education will be as follows;
• Early years (ages 2 to 4) - £3,000
• Primary (ages 5 -11) - £6,580
• Secondary (ages 11-18) - £8,755
These tariffs include support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Then there’s the Ukraine Family Scheme (bringing in family members)
The Local Authority will not be made aware of the travel / entry arrangements and there is no requirement to undertake the accommodation or DBS checks (which is a requirement of the “Homes” scheme).
It is very plausible that families could arrive here and that as a Council we are unaware of their arrival, if under this scheme, until such time as they present for support / access to services such as education placements / benefits advice.
No data is collected by Government or shared with the Local Authority in terms of the destination point for those coming into the Country via the Family scheme – this may make it harder for Local Authorities to provide the support.
There is a lot of concern regarding the family visa scheme and the potential impact on Local Authorities / local services given this is unfunded.
t.co