Purpose

To seek Cabinet's approval of Peterborough City Council's administration and delivery of the Homes for Ukraine Scheme since its introduction in 2022, including the management of Government grant funding and all relevant payments and activities under the scheme.

Decision

Cabinet RESOLVED to:

1. Note and retrospectively approve the administration and delivery of the Homes for Ukraine Scheme by Peterborough City Council in accordance with Government guidance and grant funding conditions since its implementation in March 2022 in order to discharge the Council’s duties under the scheme. 
    
2. Approve the continuing use of Government grant funding, currently averaging at £312,000 per annum based on existing arrivals, associated with the Homes for Ukraine Scheme to deliver the council's responsibilities, including but not limited to: 

•         Welcome payments for eligible Ukrainian guests;   

•         Thank you payments for eligible sponsors; 

•         Support to mitigate and prevent homelessness 

•         Any other support that Government requires the council to provide as outlined in funding instructions.
 

1. Authorise the Council to enter into any grant funding agreements or other legal agreements to give effect to the recommendations.
    
2. Note the award of grant funding received from MHCLG under the scheme totalling £6,125,553.57 from 2023 to 30th June 2026.
3. Note grant funding expenditure of £3,632,547.04 relating to the period 2023 to 30th June 2026.
    
4. Authorise the Executive Director of Place and Economy to award any further grant funding as set out in this report.
5. Delegate authority to Executive Director of Place and Economy, to take all further and supplementary decisions (including signing documents) necessary to give effect to the above recommendations.
    

Reasons for the decision

1.1         The Homes for Ukraine (HFU) Scheme was introduced by the UK Government in March 2022 to provide sanctuary and support to individuals and families displaced by the conflict in Ukraine. Since its inception, Peterborough City Council has administered the scheme locally and has delivered its responsibilities in accordance with Government guidance and grant funding instructions. 

1.2        The council has been responsible for administering welcome payments and sponsor thank you payments, undertaking required safeguarding and accommodation checks, supporting hosts and guests, and delivering integration activities to promote independence and community cohesion. The scheme continues to be fully funded through Government grant allocations and remains subject to ongoing national policy and funding arrangements.

1.3        Whilst the council has successfully delivered the scheme since 2022, formal Cabinet approval has not previously been sought for the overarching administration and delivery arrangements due to the scheme being implemented at pace in response to an international humanitarian emergency. This report therefore seeks Cabinet's retrospective endorsement of the council's delivery of the scheme to date and approval for its continued administration and delivery going forward.

1.4        This authorisation will provide appropriate governance, accountability and democratic oversight for the ongoing management of the HFU Scheme and ensure that the Council can continue to fulfil its obligations under Government guidance and funding requirements. 

Alternative options considered

Do not accept Homes for Ukraine funding or deliver services to Ukrainian guests.  This option is not recommended as it would likely lead to increased homelessness as sponsors withdraw their accommodation.  In addition, the scheme provides advice and support to Ukrainians helping them to navigate day-day issues to deal with work, housing, education, health etc. Without the support provided through the council, it is probable that the council would see an impact on mainstream services and costs across the system.