A Government scheme to help Ukrainian refugees is being launched across the UK - offering money to people who open their homes to those in need.

The Homes for Ukraine programme, to be rolled out later in the week, will mean people who offer accommodation to those fleeing Russia's invasion will receive a monthly payment of £350.

News of the scheme broke following widespread criticism of the speed and scale of the Government's response to the plight of refugees, with the UK only taking in an estimated 1,000 people so far.

The UK’s ambassador to Ukraine, Melinda Simmons, told The Sunday Times that she “totally gets the criticism” levelled at the Government over its approach so far.

The entry route for Ukrainian refugees so far has been limited to only those who have family members already settled in the country.

However, the new scheme will mean individuals, charities, community groups and businesses are now able to bring them to safety – even if they have no ties to the UK.

Ms Simmons said: "I’m approached directly by British nationals who tell me where they are, and that… the visa appointment is in three weeks and they’re ready with their bio metrics but they’re stuck in a hostel with two young kids.

“I get these messages every day. We maintain personal contact with these people and our rapid deployment teams at the border are absolutely brilliant.

"It just needs to be matched now, with enough resources to be able to process people with the speed that we need. I know that the visa centres are now responding to it with a better queuing system and more people.

“But if this is going to rise then obviously it’s going to have to continue and the capacity is going to have to grow in a corresponding way.

“I know that the Home Office understands that and and is moving as quick as they can to deliver that.”

This is Europe’s biggest refugee crisis since the Second World War, reports WalesOnline.

More than 2.3 million people are said to have fled the war in Ukraine and another 1.9 million are displaced within the country, according to a UN official.

YouGov poll for The Times found that 17 per cent of the public would accommodate a refugee in their home, with a further 41 per cent saying they would be willing to but did not have room.

Source: https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/news/uk-world-news/brits-who-house-ukrainian-refugees-6796095