County Matters
As I write this column the Covid infection rate is increasing across the County from the latest figures from our Director of Public Health
As a consequence, I would advice anyone that has not been vaccinated to do so and if your are in the groups of vulnerable people that are being offered another booster please go and receive it to protect yourself. This virus is not going away any time soon. The other big issue concentrating our minds at present is the situation in Ukraine and the latest information I have received from County is below.
Homes for Ukraine Scheme
Website launched, 14 March, for individuals, community groups and businesses to express interest in being a sponsor. This is in advance of Phase One opening for applications on Friday 18 March 2022.
Phase One enables sponsors (who will receive £350 per month) in the UK to nominate a named Ukrainian or a named Ukrainian family to stay with them in their home or a separate property. Charities, faith groups, and local community organisations will facilitate connections between individuals where sponsors do not have a named contact.
The £350 ‘thank-you’ payment, will be limited to one payment per residential address, tax free and will not affect benefit entitlement; legislation will be introduced if necessary.
There will be no cap on those the scheme is available to.
Local authorities will receive £10,500 per refugee for support services with additional funds for children of school age. It is expected that local authorities will enable wider support for Ukrainians to “rebuild their lives and fully integrate into our communities”.
Those arriving in the UK under this scheme will have the right to remain for three years. They will have entitlement to:
⦁ The right to work
⦁ Benefits
⦁ Education
⦁ Health care
⦁ English language tuition
⦁ Public services
An update on Phase 2 will be given to the House of Commons over the next few days.
Below is a direct link to the new sponsorship scheme to enable local people to provide a home:
https://homesforukraine.campaign.gov.uk
Below is a direct link to the government information on how local people can help:
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/ukraine-what-you-can-do-to-help
Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service are pleased to announce the launch of a new online home fire safety check tool, which is live on Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service’s website: www.cumbria.gov.uk/safetyathome
The online home fire safety check tool is an online form which allows anyone to risk assess their own situation to see if they are at risk from fire in the home. Once the form is complete, it either offers some bespoke fire safety advice or generates a referral for Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service to carry out a follow up visit
For those who are unable to access the web-based system, a freephone number is available to access a free home fire safety check: 0800 358 4777
As we are now coming into springtime, I hope we can all enjoy the bright weather we seem to be experimenting at present but please stay safe.
Kindest regards
Bill Wearing
Conservative County Councillor Grange Division
