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PARLIAMENTARY DEBATE
Ukrainian Refugees: Departmental Support - 17 October 2022 (Commons/Commons Chamber)

Debate Detail

Contributions from Dr Ben Spencer, are highlighted with a yellow border.
Con
Dr Ben Spencer
Runnymede and Weybridge
23. What steps his Department is taking to support Ukrainian refugees.
Andrew Stephenson
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities
The Government stand with Ukraine, and under the two visa schemes, Ukrainian refugees have full access to public services and welfare for up to three years. Over 120,000 Ukrainians have now arrived using those two schemes.
  15:15:09
Dr Spencer
I thank the Government for the incredible support we are giving to Ukrainian refugees and my constituents, who have welcomed so many into their homes. Sadly, we are already hearing reports of breakdown between sponsor and refugee. Last week, I met the leader of Runnymede Borough Council and discussed the plans that he is putting in place to support refugees who cannot be rematched. What support is available to local authorities in that regard?
  15:15:48
Andrew Stephenson
I am grateful to the hosts in my hon. Friend’s constituency for the generosity and good will they have shown during the past six months, and I recognise the challenges that can bring. We remain steadfast in our support for Ukraine. For arrivals under the Homes for Ukraine scheme, the £10,500 per person we provide to councils helps to provide support to individuals and families, including in the minority of cases where someone is left without accommodation.
Lab
  15:15:53
Dame Diana Johnson
Kingston upon Hull North
With the departure of Lord Harrington, who was a Minister in both the Home Office and this Department, will the Minister explain what discussions he has had with the Home Office about how to deal with the potential homelessness of many Ukrainians under the Homes for Ukraine scheme?
  15:16:09
Andrew Stephenson
I have met the Home Secretary directly since my appointment and I work very closely with the Minister of State, Home Department, my hon. Friend the Member for Corby (Tom Pursglove), who is responsible for immigration. We are closely aligned on all these issues.

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