More than 180 Ukrainian refugees are to be resettled in Liverpool in the coming weeks and months.
Since the outbreak of the Russian invasion in February, citizens have been displaced from their homes as Putin’s tanks have laid waste and more than 8m have been forced to flee. In the four months since Russian forces crossed into Ukraine, 158 people have been resettled in the city through the Homes for Ukraine Scheme while more have come to the country through the Ukraine Family Scheme.
Jill Summers, Liverpool Council community cohesion officer, told a meeting of the local authority’s neighbourhoods committee that the city had a “long tradition” of supporting those in need, particularly since the Afghanistan crisis in 2015. Ms Summers said previously the resettlement schemes had been led through the Home Office but was now through the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, making it “quite different” but relevant individuals were receiving regular briefings on processes.
READ MORE: Weather warning: Met Office extends 32C heatwave warning into next week
Following the 158 individuals resettled in Liverpool, a further 182 are expected to arrive “in the coming weeks and months”. Ms Summers said an additional 1,100 people fleeing Ukraine have come through Liverpool Airport since war broke out, heading to a destination other than Liverpool.
Across England, 660 Ukrainian refugee households have approached councils after facing homelessness. More than 77,000 individuals have entered the UK since war escalated five months ago.
It was revealed last week that between February 24 and June 3, councils in Merseyside have helped 10 households who fled the war but then found themselves facing homelessness in the UK. That includes four single households and six with dependent children.
Funding is being provided for sponsors helping to house refugees, Ms Summers said, while Liverpool Council has recruited two new positions to help coordinate resettlement “to prevent a breakdown in relationships and possible homelessness”. Ms Summers said the work of the scheme was "something to be really proud of in the way we've responded", resources are being kept under review.
The committee was told the lack of Ukrainian and Russian translators has been an issue officers have faced, with Ms Summers describing them as “thin on the ground.” She added that there is a “massive shortage” of NHS dentistry for refugees to access.
Liberal Democrat councillor Richard Clein agreed with the sentiment of Liverpool having a "long history of opening up its arms and its heart" to refugees but wanted to ensure Afghan refugees living in a hotel in the city receive the requisite support.
READ NEXT
Liverpool schools facing 'damaging uncertainty' after catalogue of council errors
Debt collectors to chase up 30,000 cases across Liverpool this year
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp and Royle Family star to receive freedom of the city
Council makes £1.7m through green bin charge in four months
Liverpool Council to send back £800,000 from council tax rebate scheme
