Since the start of the full-scale war, Scotland has become a haven for about 28,000 Ukrainians, but now their residence is under threat. The country's government has completely curtailed a grant program that financially encouraged local residents to accept refugees in their homes. This is reported by the Daily Mail .
Previously, under the Housing for Ukraine program, host families received compensation — initially £500 per month, later £350. These payments covered expenses and motivated people to open their homes to Ukrainians fleeing the war.
The decision was made by the new Labour administration in Scotland. The authorities announced the complete cancellation of grants, which effectively deprives thousands of Ukrainians of guarantees of stable housing.
Local authorities and charities warn that the consequences could be serious.
They say such a policy:
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could lead to a new wave of evictions;
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will increase the number of calls to services working with the homeless;
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will place an additional burden on social structures that are already working at the limit of their capabilities.
The Conservative Party has sharply criticized the government, saying the new policy ignores the real needs of people who fled the war and did not have time to adapt to the difficult conditions of the Scottish housing market.
The UK Department of Housing, however, claims that program participants knew that state funding would only last for 18 months. During this period, the department believes, Ukrainian families should have found other housing or prepared to live independently.
However, experts emphasize that finding affordable rent in Scotland is difficult even for citizens of the country, and even more so for refugees. Due to high prices, a shortage of offers and competition in the housing market, there are practically no chances for immigrants.
Now, Ukrainian families still living in foster care are trying to find alternatives. Many are turning to charities and local councils in an attempt to avoid the risk of ending up on the streets.
The Scottish authorities have not yet presented an alternative support program, so the situation remains tense.
