Council’s response to the Ukrainian humanitarian crisis

Like the rest of Scotland, Dumfries and Galloway has welcomed Ukrainian Guests via varying schemes as they seek refuge following the outbreak of war in their country. Since the outbreak of war in February it’s estimated that over 2 million people, mainly women and children, remain displaced from their home country.

‘Homes for Ukraine’ was launched by the UK Government in March, followed by the Scottish Government’s ‘Super Sponsor Scheme’. In July the Scottish Government announced that the Super Sponsor Scheme would be paused for three months. At this point 36,000 visas had been issued. It is currently expected that there will be around 660 Guests in Dumfries and Galloway.

At its meeting on 31 March 2022, Dumfries and Galloway Council agreed that it would participate in the Ukrainian Resettlement Scheme, noting that, in line with the Syrian Refugees and Afghan Citizen Schemes, all costs would be fully funded through the Scheme. At the meeting of Dumfries and Galloway Full Council (29 Sept) Members will receive a report on the latest arrangements to provide ongoing support to guests arriving from the Ukraine.

By the end of September 2022, Dumfries and Galloway will have 7 Welcome Hubs (short-term temporary accommodation for displaced people) across our region. A significant portion of this need is being met through hosting, but inevitably there is also a demand for social and private tenancies.

To date, Council services have undertaken accommodation and safeguarding checks on around 250 offers of support from private hosts/sponsors. That these checks are now either all complete or in progress, is a significant achievement in a short space of time. In addition, the permission to allow children to travel without a parent but with a friend or responsible person with parental permission means that Social Work Services will be required to assess all such requests and monitor for the duration of the arrangement until the child attains the age of 18 years.

Convener of Dumfries and Galloway Council, Stephen Thompson said: “Due to the flexibility and commitment of staff, across our services and partnerships, we have been successful in responding to rapidly changing and increasing challenges. Our Council services, including Social Work and Education, and the partnership approach of the NHS and other agencies, should all be commended for their efforts. This is alongside the significant response from our D&G residents who have opened their homes to care for the people in need.”

Deputy Convener, Linda Dorward said: “Due to the uncertainty of what will be necessary, it is prudent to make arrangements for the next 12 months, and this work is underway. We do not know what the future will bring, or when this terrible conflict will end, but I am reassured that help and support is in place where it is required, and Ukrainian Guests will be welcomed to our region with compassion and care when it is most needed.”

ENDS