Individuals, charities, community groups and businesses across Crewe can now record their interest in supporting Ukrainians fleeing the war - through the government's 'Homes for Ukraine' scheme.

The Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, Michael Gove, has today launched a webpage for sponsors to record their interest, ahead of Phase One of the scheme opening for applications this Friday.

The Homes for Ukraine scheme will allow the UK to bring Ukrainians to safety – including those with no family ties.

Phase One of the scheme will allow sponsors in the UK to nominate a named Ukrainian or a named Ukrainian family to stay with them in their home or in a separate property.

Crewe resident Wendy Shepherd, 69, was in support of the scheme, stating: "To be within the warmth of a family, being provided with accommodation and the direct meeting of their needs, is much better than a hotel room.

"If English people are willing to sponsor and house mothers and their children, it will give them some security and home comforts in times like these.

"The government needs to monitor who is taking part in the scheme and that people have the motivation and means to do this properly.

"It's heartening that so many people in the UK are willing to open up their homes."

A spokesperson for Cheshire East Council also told Nub News: "Cheshire East Council will work with government to support Ukrainian refugees.

"The government has announced the Ukraine Family Scheme, the Local Sponsorship Scheme for Ukraine, and now the Homes for Ukraine scheme, which will provide additional support for Ukrainian nationals and their family members.

"The published information does not set out how much councils will receive for each refugee and we await details from the government."

Individual sponsors will be asked to provide homes or a spare room rent-free for as long as they are able, with a minimum stay of six months. In return, they will receive £350 per month.

In the Government press release, Michael Gove said:"The courage shown by the Ukrainian people in the face of devastation caused by the invasion of their great country is nothing short of remarkable.

"The United Kingdom has a long and proud history of helping others in their hour of need and our new Homes for Ukraine scheme offers a lifeline to those who have been forced to flee.

"I'm asking people across our country who can provide a home for Ukrainians to consider being sponsors."

Those who have a named Ukrainian they wish to sponsor should contact them directly and prepare to fill in a visa application, with the application launching on Friday 18 March.

Charities, faith groups and local community organisations are also helping to facilitate connections between individuals, for potential sponsors who do not have a named contact.

Ukrainians arriving in the UK under this scheme will be granted three years leave to remain, with entitlement to work, and access benefits and public services.

Applicants will be vetted and will undergo security checks.

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