B&NES Recruitment of temporary hosts
Dear all,
Do you have a spare room, and if so, would you be willing to become a short term/temporary host for a Ukrainian guest whilst we help them find longer term accommodation?
Sadly, recent news on what is happening in the Middle East means attention is taken away from the war that is raging in Ukraine. Ukrainians here in B&NES are still unable to return home, and some are facing homelessness.
Although over 100 households have successfully moved from host homes into their own accommodation, some of these are now being served notice to quit from their private landlords. This is because landlords want to sell their property, to rent it to family members or leave the private rental market in general. As a result, these households have to find alternative accommodation which can take more than the 2 months notice they are given to move out and so become threatened with homelessness.
We also have 35 households still living with hosts, but some of these arrangements are also coming to an end as host’s personal circumstances change.
Some guests and people being served notice from a private rental or asked to leave by their hosts are not considered ‘priority need’ under the UK housing rules (e.g. they are single people without children or adults with children over the age of 18). Therefore, the council has to treat them in the same way as all other groups and local people - and they will not be provided with temporary emergency housing.
We are therefore concerned that some Ukrainians will become homeless unless they can secure alternative accommodation – and we need your help.
The Resettlement Team are looking for people who are willing to host these households on a temporary basis (for around 6-10 weeks) whilst we help them find private rented accommodation. We have an excellent track record in being able to support people into their own accommodation (and we also offer a package of financial support). We are therefore confident we can help people find longer term accommodation within a 6-10 week period.
The usual host payment is £350 per month after someone has been in the UK for 12 months but we will pay £500 per month to temporary hosts irrespective of how long the person has been in the UK. Host thank you payments are tax free and hosting a Ukrainian guest will not affect your single person discount for council tax.
We are aware many hosts have done so much to support Ukrainians fleeing the war already, so the ask is that if you are not able to consider doing this yourselves maybe you could talk to your friends, family members, local churches, community associations, schools etc. who may be able help.
If you can help, or can suggest someone who may be able to help, please email H4U@bathnes.gov.uk
We do hope to hear from you.
Many thanks
Resettlement Team
Bath and North East Somerset Council BA1 2ZH
www.bathnes.gov.uk | www.twitter.com/bathnes
Tel: 01225 396295
Mobile: 07483 984578