Bedford’s Mayor has said the council is already “working with a number of Ukrainians” to support their application for asylum in the Borough following the invasion of their country by Russian forces.
The announcement comes after Bedford Borough Conservative councillors wrote to the mayor saying they would be behind any offers of support the council was able to offer.
In the letter, Conservative Mayoral Candidate Cllr Tom Wootton (Wyboston) said: “We know that Bedford residents feel strongly about supporting those who have had to flee Ukraine due to the devastating conflict started by Vladimir Putin.
“I am hopeful that the Mayor will add to the support provided [by] Bedford by ensuring that Bedford Borough Council sponsors refugees who are fleeing, especially given the historical (sic) between Bedford and Ukraine.”
At a full council meeting this week (Wednesday), the Mayor addressed the call for support and speaking to the Bedford Independent added that he was “glad” for the support from Conservatives locally.
“I, like so many, am shocked and appalled by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. I have however been impressed and taken heart from the outpouring of support and offers of help,” he added.
After the meeting, Cllr Martin-Moran-Bryant also confirmed that the councillors and the Mayor have discussed the matter in greater detail.
Cllr Martin-Moran-Bryant (Conservative, Great Barford) says Bedford’s Conservative Group is also writing to the Government, at the Mayor’s request, “to seek greater clarity for Local Authorities on how to assist refugees.”
No family link needed
It was confirmed this week by the government that individuals, businesses, community organisations and Local Authorities, that are willing, will be able to act as a sponsor for Ukrainian refugees without family ties.
But visas are still needed to be applied for before any Ukrainians fleeing their war-torn country can enter the country, but there is no longer any limit to the number of refugees the UK will accept.
The Mayor says he has emailed Bedfordians with three practical steps they could take to help. These include:
- Donating money to the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain at gofundme.com/f/helpukraine.
- Signing a petition on the UK Parliament’s website calling for visas to be waived for Ukrainian refugees at visit petition.parliament.uk/petitions/609530.
- And to offer your home to a named Ukrainian if possible at homesforukraine.campaign.gov.uk.
The Government have announced that local authorities will receive £10,000 for each refugee welcomed, as well as offering £350 a month for households who hold Ukrainian refugees.
Under the Homes for Ukraine scheme, people will also be able to nominate a named individual or a family to stay with them rent-free, or in another property, for at least six months.
Locally, there is said to still be a lot of “issues” matching the 120,000 people who have offered help to Ukrainian refugees and also making sure school places for children will be available.
It’s thought the letter from local conservatives will also help clarify this.
Beyond heartbreaking
The Mayor says he’s already met with Ukrainians based in the Borough and called hearing what is happening to their families and friends in Ukraine “beyond heart-breaking”.
He has now called on the council to look at ways it can help and earlier this week asked Officers to process “the first, of what I suspect will be many”, applications for housing support in the Borough.
Social housing providers are also being asked which properties are available.
“Bedford Borough Council has a proud history of humanitarian support during times of international crisis and welcomed refugees fleeing from Syria and most recently Afghanistan,” added the Mayor.
“In both of these cases the Council worked with the Home Office and the Local Government Association to help support these refugees, and we stand ready again to help those fleeing Ukraine,” he said.
