Council chiefs are promising school places and support for families fleeing Ukraine.

The Department for Levelling-Up, Housing and Communities has announced its 'Homes for Ukraine' scheme, to allow people in the UK to welcome Ukrainian refugees into their homes.

Cllr Gareth Roberts, Leader of Richmond Council, said the Council is keen to play its part in helping refugees, however he said there are currently delays in the government process.

He said: "I do urge people who have space in their homes and want to help, or community and faith groups who can offer help, to register their interest now through the government's website.

"Richmond Council and our residents are ready to support Ukrainians coming to the UK to find safe homes, so we are pleased that the Government has finally set-out its new 'Homes for Ukraine' scheme.

"Unfortunately many people will have to wait a bit longer, as it appears the first step only allows people in the UK to sponsor Ukranians who are known to them, through a sponsorship visa application process which opens on Friday, March 18.

"There will be a second phase, which will allow more people to help Ukranians without any existing ties in the UK, but at the moment it is not clear when this will go live."

Cllr Roberts said: "As soon as we have refugees allocated to homes in our borough, we are ready to spring to action and support the scheme with school places and support for vulnerable adults and children through our safeguarding and social care services.

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"Over the next few days we will be seeking clarification from the government about how this process will work to ensure all necessary support is in place, ready for the arrival of Ukrainian people to our borough."

The Council is encouraging people to donate to the humanitarian effort via the Disaster Emergency Committee (DEC) - or the British Red Cross.

For more information please visit Homes for Ukraine.