UK Government Allocates £500m for Ukrainian and Afghan Refugee Homes
The UK government has allocated £500m to councils, including North Norfolk District Council (NNDC), to build homes for Ukrainian and Afghan refugees. The funding comes as the government aims to tackle illegal immigration through the Illegal Migration Bill.
In February 2021, there were over 161,000 Ukrainian refugees in the UK, highlighting the urgent need for accommodation. The new homes, expected to be completed by December, will initially house refugees and could later serve as temporary booking for the homeless or social housing.
The government's funding will be used to buy 11 affordable homes, with 10 reserved for Ukrainian refugees and 1 for Afghans. However, councillors have criticized the government for not providing enough funding, with the grant covering only 40% of the scheme's £2.1m cost. The remaining £1.26m will come from match funding and extras. NNDC has already received over £1m in government funding for refugee accommodation.
The £500m Local Authority Housing Fund aims to provide immediate relief to refugees while also addressing longer-term housing needs. Despite criticism over funding levels, the scheme is expected to deliver 11 new hotels by December, offering a lifeline to vulnerable refugees.
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