It has been almost two-and-a-half years since Russia began their invasion of Ukraine and while a number of Bedfordians have stepped up to the plate to assist Ukrainian refugees, Bedford Borough Council are renewing their plea for help.
Hundreds of Ukrainian nationals have resettled in Bedford since the invasion began in February 2022, but the Council are asking the local community if anyone is in a position to house more as the war in Ukraine intensifies.
In the past two weeks, Ukraine has been carrying out an offensive into Russia prompting fears of a further escalation in fighting with a new humanitarian effort needed to house and resettle Ukrainians escaping the war.
Bedford Borough Council are asking anyone with, “a spare room or two, an annexe, or even another property”, to get in touch with the Homes for Ukraine team.
Benefits for those who offer to help range from a tax-free payment of £500 per month for up to three years while those who are offering their second home are eligible to receive a 50% reduction in council tax.
The call for assistance comes after Bedford Borough Council announced 17 new homes were being made available exclusively for Ukrainian and Afghan refugees in March.
Councillor Phillippa Martin-Moran-Bryant, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Regulatory Services said; “We’d like to generously thank all the people who have already given up room in their homes across Bedford Borough.
“They’ve shown the strength of community feeling that exists across the Borough, and I’m sure that will continue.”
If you are in a position to help, pleas send an email to HFUdata@bedford.gov.uk expressing your interest in hosting.
