PAYMENTS to Hampshire residents hosting Ukrainian guests as part of the Government’s Homes for Ukraine Scheme will be increased from next month. 

The leader of Hampshire County Council, Cllr Rob Humby, has said that payments will rise from £350 per month to £500 from March. 

This goes beyond the Government’s recent decision to increase the thank-you payments for certain hosts only – those housing Homes for Ukraine guests who have been in the UK for 12 months or more. 

Cllr Humby, said: “The important role played by Hampshire residents in offering accommodation to Ukrainian guests cannot be praised highly enough. We want to recognise and thank all those who are providing safe spaces for people fleeing the conflict, irrespective of how long they have been doing so.

"Without their generosity and compassion, many of these families residing locally might have found themselves in an even more desperate situation. Our decision to increase the monthly thank-you payment for all hosts, reflects our gratitude amid the rising cost of living.”  

The new host payments will be funded via the Government grant paid to upper-tier local authorities to specifically support the implementation of the Homes for Ukraine scheme locally. This funding cannot be used for any other purpose.

Hampshire has welcomed the third-highest number of Ukrainian nationals in England.