Councillors have been warned that refugees fleeing Russia's invasion of Ukraine could face a huge homelessness problem in the near future.
More than 260 Ukrainian refugees arrived in Newcastle after leaving their war-torn country earlier this year, and have been living with sponsor families and individuals in the city.
However, homeowners were asked to commit housing the refugees for six months - and that time has almost passed, leading to fears some families may be left without a place to stay when the commitment ends.
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Speaking at Thursday's meeting of Newcastle City Council's overview and scrutiny committee, the authority's migration, refugee and asylum lead Rowenna Foggie said the issue was "keeping her up at night."
Ms Foggie said: "We have had 166 homes for Ukraine households and 261 people applying coming into Newcastle from Ukraine. So far we've taken in 178 people.
"That consists of 45 families with 68 children. Eight of those relationships have broken down and five households have gone through homelessness.
"We are very alive to the fact that six months will be here before we know it. There is a real fear they could be left homeless.
"We're trying to have a ready-made pool of homes they can go to. It keeps me awake at night - there could be a really significant homelessness problem."
UK residents wishing to offer a home to people fleeing Ukraine can become a sponsor as part of the Homes For Ukraine scheme.
Anyone in the UK who has not been matched with a Ukrainian person or family, as long as:
- you can offer a spare room or home for at least 6 months
- if you’re not a British citizen, you have leave to remain in the UK for at least 6 months
- you do not have a criminal record
The Government is providing councils with funding of £10,500 per person under the scheme for the first year, enabling local authorities to provide support to families to "rebuild their lives and fully integrate into communities."
The council where the sponsor accommodation is located should provide an interim payment (in line with other resettlement schemes) of £200 per guest for subsistence costs.
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