Written question WQ92053
- Asked by
- Andrew RT DaviesConservative
- To be answered by
- Minister for Climate Change
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 7 days
Question
What discussions has the Minister had with Swansea Council regarding a Ukrainian refugee returning to Kyiv due to the condition of the home offered to them in Swansea?
Answer
Answered by Minister for Social Justice and Chief Whip
I am proud of the warm welcome that Wales has provided with just under 7,500 Ukrainians supported under the Homes for Ukraine scheme. Of the 3,300 Ukrainians arriving via our super sponsor route, local authorities across Wales have now supported more than 1,600 guests to move on to longer term accommodation in Wales, embodying our Nation of Sanctuary approach.
The Homes for Ukraine: framework for accommodation sets out our expectations for how people who arrive via the Welsh Government Super Sponsor route and those accommodated in initial accommodation are dispersed across Wales and supported into longer-term accommodation. This framework also provides the principles local authorities need to consider when rehousing people from Ukraine either from initial accommodation or where existing placements have broken down.
Local authorities are working hard to ensure accommodation offers made are good quality and I understand that this family has been provided with support by Swansea via the Discretionary Assistance Fund. I am pleased to hear that the family is now safely accommodated, and that the local community has given their support to help them feel welcomed in Swansea.
To support local authorities in delivering this humanitarian response, the Welsh Government has provided £8.2m of funding. This funding is to support moves to longer-term accommodation, integration and support within communities, and prevention of homelessness. Recognising the continuing housing and integration pressures, as well as the reduction in funding from the UK Government next year, a further £3.2m has recently been committed to help local authorities continue their support.
In response to the Ukraine humanitarian response and the growing pressures on temporary accommodation, exacerbated by cost-of-living pressures, the Minister for Climate Change established the £75m Transitional Accommodation Capital Programme. This programme is intended to support local authorities and Registered Social Landlords to bring forward more good-quality accommodation at pace for everyone in housing need.