Milton Keynes City Council is set to top up payments for residents hosting Ukrainian families to ensure they continue receiving full support.
Since 2022, Milton Keynes has welcomed more than 550 Ukrainians, the majority of which are staying with generous local residents. From April, national funding for hosts is set to be capped at £350 per month, and the city council has committed to topping the amount up by £150 to keep payments at the same level for 12 months.
Currently, hosts receive £350 per month for the first year, increasing to £500 later, but proposed changes mean that hosts will receive a flat rate of £350. MK City Council plans to step in to ensure that long-term hosts continue to receive the full amount they need to support families in need.
The top-up will reduce the financial burden on hosts and avoid some sponsorships having to come to an end early, which could result in Ukrainian families becoming homeless.
A decision to approve the top up ‘thank you payments’ is scheduled for next week.
"Milton Keynes residents have been so generous in opening their homes to support families who have fled war. By topping up payments, we can provide some continuity as families settle, find work, and move into their own homes, while they seek sanctuary in our community.”