The Scottish government will not renew the £10 million in funding it initially granted to local councils to support Ukrainian refugee resettlement, the Scotsman reported Jan. 5.
The government distributed £10 million last year to Scotland’s regional councils to help set Ukrainian refugees up in short-term accommodations, such as hotels and cruise ships.
Shortly before Christmas, Scotland informed local authorities it could not renew the funding this year due to financial difficulties.
Representatives from the Edinburgh City Council called the decision a “betrayal.”
“After everything we have collectively done to support thousands of people who have suffered through so much, we are shocked at this decision, which affects families starting a new life here in Scotland,” said Mandy Watt, deputy leader of Edinburgh City Council.
Councilmembers have warned that they may have to withdraw staff and support from hotels providing short-term housing to Ukrainian refugees. Representatives are planning to discuss their concerns in a meeting next week with MP Shirley-Anne Somerville, social justice secretary and member of Scotland’s ruling Scottish National Party (SNP).
“It would be a betrayal if the SNP failed to live up to its lofty rhetoric from the early days of this crisis and broke their promises to those fleeing this awful war,” said Labour MP Mark Griffin.
Alex Cole-Hamilton, who leads Scotland’s Liberal Democrats and hosted a refugee from Ukraine after the invasion, also criticized the decision.
Ukrainians have been fleeing to the UK in search of refuge since the conflict between Moscow and Kiev escalated in February 2022. However, a study for the British Red Cross published last month revealed that thousands of Ukrainians could face “homelessness”this winter.
“We expect thousands of men, women, and children from Ukraine to become homeless here in the UK,” said Olivia Field, head of policy and advocacy at the British Red Cross. She added that it is “difficult” for them to get the help they need to find long-term housing, and they are “often unable to meet upfront rental costs.”
”READ FULL ARTICLE: https://kyivindependent.com/scottish-government-to-cut-funds-for-housing-ukrainian-refugees/
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