Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Ukrainian Refugees: Departmental Support

Monday 17 October 2022 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government supports Ukrainian refugees with two visa schemes providing full access to public services and welfare for up to three years
  • Over 120,000 Ukrainians have arrived under the visa schemes
  • Minister has met the Home Secretary and collaborates closely with the Home Office on refugee issues

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Ben Spencer Con Runnymede and Weybridge
Context

The Government's support for Ukrainian refugees under two visa schemes has been in place, allowing access to public services and welfare. However, challenges such as breakdowns between sponsors and refugees are being reported.

Question

What steps his Department is taking to support Ukrainian refugees. I thank the Government for the incredible support we are giving to Ukrainian refugees and my constituents, who have welcomed so many into their homes. Sadly, we are already hearing reports of breakdown between sponsor and refugee. Last week, I met the leader of Runnymede Borough Council and discussed the plans that he is putting in place to support refugees who cannot be rematched. What support is available to local authorities in that regard?

Answer from Andrew Stephenson

The Government stand with Ukraine, and under the two visa schemes, Ukrainian refugees have full access to public services and welfare for up to three years. Over 120,000 Ukrainians have now arrived using those two schemes. The £10,500 per person we provide to councils helps to provide support to individuals and families, including in the minority of cases where someone is left without accommodation.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specifics of local authority plans or detailed support mechanisms were not addressed beyond mentioning financial aid.

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Q2 Ben Spencer Con Runnymede and Weybridge
Context

The Government's support for Ukrainian refugees has been acknowledged, but issues such as breakdowns between sponsors and refugees have emerged. The question addresses the Home Secretary's discussions on potential homelessness.

Question

With the departure of Lord Harrington, who was a Minister in both the Home Office and this Department, will the Minister explain what discussions he has had with the Home Office about how to deal with the potential homelessness of many Ukrainians under the Homes for Ukraine scheme?

Answer from Andrew Stephenson

I have met the Home Secretary directly since my appointment and I work very closely with the Minister of State, Home Department, my hon. Friend the Member for Corby (Tom Pursglove), who is responsible for immigration. We are closely aligned on all these issues.

Not addressed: The question about specific discussions was not addressed; instead, general alignment with Home Office was mentioned without details.

How: Changed Subject To General Cooperation

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Q3 Diana R. Johnson Lab Kingston upon Hull North and Cottingham
Context

The departure of Lord Harrington, a former Minister with responsibility in both the Home Office and Department dealing with refugees, raises questions about ongoing discussions and support mechanisms.

Question

With the departure of Lord Harrington, who was a Minister in both the Home Office and this Department, will the Minister explain what discussions he has had with the Home Office about how to deal with the potential homelessness of many Ukrainians under the Homes for Ukraine scheme?

Answer from Andrew Stephenson

I have met the Home Secretary directly since my appointment and I work very closely with the Minister of State, Home Department, my hon. Friend the Member for Corby (Tom Pursglove), who is responsible for immigration. We are closely aligned on all these issues.

Not addressed: The question about specific discussions was not addressed; instead, general alignment with Home Office was mentioned without details.

How: Changed Subject To General Cooperation

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