Ukraine support
The Council condemns the Russian invasion of Ukraine and stands in solidarity with the people of Ukraine.
What you can do to help
Everybody wants to do their bit to support those who have been forced to flee their homes because of the invasion. Here is how you can help. #StandWithUkraine
British government advice
Advice for Ukrainians arriving in the UK
British government advice
British Red Cross advice
NHS
Housing/Refugees
We are committed to supporting the refugees from Ukraine and are preparing in advance as best we can to be able to support the refugee effort.
The government has launched the Homes for Ukraine scheme, which enables individuals, charities, community groups and businesses to volunteer accommodation for those forced to leave Ukraine.
If you would like to offer a home to people fleeing Ukraine you can become a sponsor. You need to record you interest on the government website.
You can find out more information about this scheme by visiting the government's frequently asked questions page.
Ukrainians who have family members in the UK may be eligible for the Ukraine family scheme.
Reset have launched a Homes for Ukraine matching and training service. The scheme will aim to pair sponsors and refugees under the UK Government’s Homes for Ukraine scheme. It has mobilised experts in safeguarding to assess sponsors and refugees to make sure that the matching is suitable.
We understand that some of our tenants may be wondering if it is possible to host refugees through the Governments Homes for Ukraine scheme.
If you are a secure tenant of Melton Borough Council and wish to do this, it is absolutely fine. Before signing up to the scheme it is important that you tell us first and that you are sure you have enough room in your house.
Our standard tenancy agreement says that you have a right to take in lodgers to share your home with you and your family as long as:
- It does not lead to overcrowding
- You notify us in advance of who will be living in your home
- You take responsibility for the people who live with you
- You do not grant a tenancy (sub-let)
If you’re an introductory tenant or a leaseholder the situation will be different. Please contact your housing officer for advice so that we can look at your tenancy agreement or lease.
For anybody wishing to become a sponsor and volunteer accommodation for the Homes for Ukraine scheme, there are certain requirements and checks that will need to be undertaken as part of the process. For more information please visit the government website.
Other useful information
If you have children between the ages of 4-16 years old in your family Leicestershire County Council have lots of useful information about applying for school places.
The best way to apply is online but if you would like to speak to them about school places, you can call 0116 305 6684.
It is important to us that you feel welcome, safe and supported in our borough. If you feel like you could benefit from social care or family support, Leicestershire County Council have lots of information about the support and services that are available.
You can also find useful advice regarding wellbeing and safety on our support for residents pages.
Several banks have posted details of their efforts to support the Ukraine crisis, including opening of current accounts:
If you are hosting or are about to host a Ukrainian family to your home you are welcome to join Alicia Kearns at the first local Ukrainian Community Event.
Together with Rutland County Council, Harborough District Council and Alicia Kearns we will be holding a Ukrainian Community Event on Tuesday 24th May.
If you or your guests would be interested in attending and would like more information, do contact our Rutland and Melton MP, Alicia Kearns at alicia.kearns.mp@parliament.uk to find out the full details.