Published on:
23
June 2022
Councillors unanimously agreed to welcome displaced persons fleeing the conflict in Ukraine to Clackmannanshire at a Council meeting this morning.
Work has been undertaken by UK and Scottish Government, CoSLA and Councils to develop a humanitarian response to the war in Ukraine and specifically supporting Ukrainian displaced persons seeking to come to Scotland to escape the conflict over the last three months.
Today’s meeting heard how the Council proposes to support the arrivals of Ukrainian displaced persons, including information about UK and Scottish Government funding to cover the costs of this programme in Clackmannanshire.
The UK’s humanitarian response is being managed through three schemes: Family Visa Scheme, Homes for Ukraine and Super Sponsor Scheme.
Under the Homes for Ukraine scheme 39 Ukrainians have settled in 19 sponsor homes in Clackmannanshire with each arrival being supported by Council services such as housing and education.
Under the Scottish Government-led Super Sponsor Scheme, households were asked to make an application to host Ukrainian families via an Expression of Interest process – with 66 Clackmannanshire households applying. Checks are currently being carried out so that matching can be completed and it is anticipated that around 130 Ukrainians will settle in Clackmannanshire under this scheme.
Council Leader Ellen Forson said: “There has already been extensive work within the Council to support the displaced Ukrainians who have settled in Clackmannanshire. And there has also been a significant amount of work led by the voluntary sector in response to this humanitarian crisis.
"We are looking at the resources we have available to support this programme and we are all committed to do whatever we can to offer practical support and assistance to Ukrainians coming to Clackmannanshire. I also welcome the funding package, which has been agreed by the UK and Scottish Governments, which will enable the Council to meet its responsibilities to deliver the Ukraine Resettlement scheme.”