Surrey Boosts Pay for Ukrainian Host Families Amid Cost-of-Living Crisis
Surrey County Council and local boroughs have upped the ante for families hosting Ukrainians. From November 2022, hosts will get a monthly payment hike from £350 to a hefty £600 – a £250 top-up to help cover soaring energy, food, and fuel bills.
Generous Thanks for Ongoing Support
This increase runs through to March 2023 and aims to ease the financial pinch on those who opened their homes during a tough economic period in the UK. The extra cash is paid to both current hosts and new sponsors who pass all checks, funded by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) via Surrey’s councils.
Council Leader Appeals to More Hosts
“We are forever grateful for the warm welcome our communities have shown to Ukrainian guests,” said Surrey County Council leader Cllr Tim Oliver. “But we must ensure our sponsor families are not penalised financially and can keep supporting. With the conflict ongoing, the need for hosts remains urgent.
The council fears many current hosts might struggle to renew their six-month agreements as costs rise. The payment boost hopes to encourage new and returning hosts who may have paused hosting due to money worries.
Could You Open Your Home?
There’s still a desperate need for more hosts in Surrey. If you’re considering lending a hand or want answers about the Homes for Ukraine scheme, visit the Homes for Ukraine page on GOV.UK.
For details on Surrey’s thank-you payments, see: Surrey County Council – Offer Support During Ukrainian Crisis.
