Unspent millions for county’s Ukrainians explained

Herefordshire Council has defended its use of government funding to support Ukrainian refugees in the county after it emerged that less than half of a £7.6 million pot has so far been spent.

The council said in its most recent report to the government that it had spent just £3.3 million to the end of September from the Homes for Ukraine fund, launched in March 2022 in the wake of Russia’s invasion of its neighbour.

Of that, just over £1 million went on the council’s own costs, it said.

“It is to help fund council services, other organisations and hosts across the county to provide the vital support needed by people from Ukraine during this difficult time”, a council spokesperson said.

They explained the “vast majority” of the remaining £4.3 million from the fund “is already committed to providing specific support until the end of March 2026”, while its own costs included funding school and housing provision.

Herefordshire Council has spent a further £1.26 million from a separate government grant specifically for Ukrainians’ education and childcare.

With the conflict in their country approaching its third anniversary, the council says “around 600” Ukrainians are living in Herefordshire, either with around 100 hosts or in their own accommodation.

From next month the government will begin processing applications for 18-month extension visas for Ukrainians who want to extend their permission to stay in the UK.