Collingham man hopes to be able to welcome Ukrainian refugees into his home soon as government scheme asks for expressions of interest

A Collingham man was one of 89,000 people in the UK to register to accept Ukrainian refugees into their own homes on the first day of the government launching a webpage for sponsors.

Gary Hipkiss, who last week spoke of his frustration the government wasn't acting quickly enough when citizens were clamouring to offer rooms in their own homes, said he was pleased to finally see some action.

He spent this morning at home waiting on the delivery of furniture for his spare room, which he has paid around £200 from his own pocket to provide.

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

The Homes for Ukraine scheme will allow individuals, charities, community groups and businesses in the UK to bring Ukrainians to safety — including those with no family ties to the UK.

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.

"It's a single room so I've applied for one person, but if it's someone with children, they can have my double room and I'll move into the single," said kind-hearted Mr Hipkiss, who is DBS-approved from his days as working as a carer.

"I'm registered so am just waiting to hear back now. It could be quite quick. I hope it will be as there are people who are in desperate need.

"It took a long time to register as the website kept crashing, I think because so many people were trying."

Mr 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.

Local Government Association chairman James Jamieson said: "The humanitarian crisis caused by the Ukraine invasion is heart-breaking. Councils are ready to help new arrivals from Ukraine settle in the UK and to support communities who wish to offer assistance to those fleeing the devastating conflict.

"Councils will be central in helping families settle into their communities and access public services, including schools, public health and other support, including access to trauma counselling.

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 tax-free.

Mr Hipkiss said he hoped people wouldn't be in it just for the money.

"I think they should have sought expressions of interest and then said there would be a payment," he said: "Hopefully the wrong people don't come forward."

Those who have a named Ukrainian they wish to sponsor should contact them directly and prepare to fill in a visa application.

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.

The village of Whatton was due to hold an exploratory public meeting last night (Tuesday) in the Jubilee Hall to discuss how local communities can help Ukrainian families who will be arriving in the UK. Some people have spare rooms that they can offer, others are offering help in many other ways — food, clothing, computers/iPads, giving lifts to shops, organising social gatherings and helping with all sorts of issues such as finding schools, doctors and the like.

To register, go to https://consult.communities.gov.uk/digital-delivery/register-to-support-homes-for-ukraine/