Today marks a year since Russia invaded Ukraine, forcing millions of people to flee the country.

In that time, the UK has taken in more than 160,000 Ukrainians fleeing the conflict – but many now face homelessness as arrangements break down.

Figures from the Home Office show five households had received homeless duties in Mendip as of January 27 – including three families with dependent children. This was a rise from one in November, the last time figures were published.

Four of these households became homeless after the arrangement with their host broke down, while one did so because their accommodation was not suitable on arrival.

Separate figures from the Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme show 431 visas had been granted for refugees to stay with sponsors in Mendip as of February 14 – 355 of which had arrived in the country.

Enver Solomon, CEO of the Refugee Council charity, said it was heartening to see so many people open their doors to people fleeing the conflict, but added it was "worrying" refugees are facing homelessness.

He said: "These are people who have endured unimaginable trauma fleeing war in their homeland, and they must have a place to call home to help them heal and rebuild their lives.

"It's vital that they are now supported to find their own homes in our local communities."

For those who are interested in helping refugees, Somerset Councils are offering a one-off cash incentive of £1,000 per bedroom, with up to a maximum of £4,000 for homes with four bedrooms and above.  

Landlords will be asked to sign up Ukrainian tenants for a minimum 12-month term on a self-contained assured shorthold tenancy basis. They must also agree to a rent that sits within Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rates.

This housing initiative is only available to households who arrived in the UK via the Homes 4 Ukraine scheme and supports access to the private rented sector for Ukrainian households who may find it difficult to access accommodation without employment references or a guarantor.

 Somerset County Council's Lead Member for Public Health, Equalities and Diversity, Councillor Adam Dance, said: "We know that most hosts in Somerset are happy to continue with current arrangements, to support Ukrainians living with them. However a small proportion of these are now coming to an end.

 "Given the market conditions for rental costs and the challenging housing supply, options are limited. And yet we know there are privately-owned empty properties that can be utilised to support our Ukrainian friends in Somerset.

 "In order for us to house refugees, we need those generous landlords to come forward to offer accommodation. We very much hope they will respond to our appeal."

•  If you can offer a suitable property in Sedgemoor, Somerset West and Taunton or South Somerset please contact [email protected]
•  For those with accommodation in the Mendip area we would ask you contact [email protected]. Call 0300 303 8588.
•  You'll find full details of the incentive scheme, alongside terms and conditions, on our dedicated website pages www.somerset.gov.uk/Ukraine.

You can calculate your LHA rate HERE.