Resettling Ukrainian refugees in Wales
NRLA Wales operations manager Steven Bletsoe provides an update.
Back in March, Jane Hutt MS, the Welsh Minister for Social Justice, made a written cabinet statement confirming the Welsh Government’s support for the Homes for Ukraine scheme. In this statement she stated that Wales would be classed as a “super-sponsor” for this scheme which provides accommodation to those fleeing conflict in Ukraine, and that Wales would become a Nation of Sanctuary. More than 10,000 residents in Wales have offered temporary accommodation to those seeking shelter in the most distressing of times.
The Homes for Ukraine scheme is the route the UK Government has set up for people fleeing Ukraine who do not have family ties with anyone in the UK.
In relation to the private rented sector, landlords in Wales who wish to offer accommodation through the scheme can register their interest via the UK Government website and find out more about how the scheme works in Wales, including model agreements for guests, via the Welsh Government’s dedicated guidance notes.
In addition the Welsh Government’s Sanctuary website provides resources which together make up a ‘Welcome pack’ for people coming from Ukraine.
Further support in Wales includes a free bus scheme – called Welcome Ticket – which will be available to all refugees who are already here or are arriving in Wales and will allow unlimited free travel on the majority of local bus services across Wales.
Cadw have also announced their scheme to offer free individual or family entry to all Cadw sites for refugees and those seeking sanctuary in Wales. Visitors to Cadw sites who are refugees, asylum seekers or people from Ukraine will need to show appropriate documentation from the Home Office.
NRLA campaigning
The NRLA has been talking to the Welsh Government about the importance of ensuring there is sufficient supply of privately rented properties to meet demand from prospective tenants, following the publication of our Shadow Wales White Paper. We know from our research that demand is outstripping supply in Wales. We will continue to engage with the government in Cardiff Bay to ensure that the market is able to support the growing number of renters who will be seeking properties.
With the impending changes to landlords’ responsibilities under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act there has never been a better time to be a member of the NRLA.
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Read FAQs about the Homes for Ukraine scheme.
