WOKINGHAM’S MP has questions he wants answers for over government plans to give people £350 a month if they home Ukrainian refugees.
Called the Homes For Ukraine scheme, it is open to people who can offer space for people fleeing the war-torn country for at least six months.
In return, the Ukrainians will be offered the right to remain in the UK for three years, and able to live and work.
Sponsors and refugees would both be vetted before being accepted in the scheme.
However, Sir John Redwood wants clarity over the plans, despite saying “I strongly support this policy”.
In a blog post, he wrote: “This scheme will harness the generous spirits of UK citizens who want to offer free accommodation to Ukrainian refugees.”
He wanted to know why there would be a three year period for the visas.
“It is a long time to be out of your country and we all hope there will be a peace long before then,” he wrote. “If there is no peace why limit it to three years?”
He also wants to know what would happen for school places, GP and hospital services, as well as language issues.
And Sir John also wanted to ensure the Ukrainians coming in were protected against unscrupulous landlords, while those offering homes were also looked after.
“If it is based around the free offer of accommodation by UK home owners what legal agreement will there be to ensure security of tenancy for the refugees?
“In what circumstances could the U.K. citizen back out of the offer?
“What fall back accommodation does the state have?
“Will there be any stipulations about the standards of the accommodation?”
