1 in 10 Ukrainians still stuck in temporary accommodation

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP has accused the Scottish Government of sending Ukrainian refugees “from one limbo to another” as new figures published today reveal that 1 in 10 Ukrainians remain in temporary accommodation, with ministers now planning a huge cut to the scheme that allows Ukrainians set up home in Scotland.  

As of 18th December 2023, there were 2,700 Ukrainians in welcome accommodation, such as hotels. As of 19th December 2023, there were 26,333 displaced people from Ukraine have arrived in the UK with a Scottish sponsor (either an individual or the Scottish Government), meaning that 10% are still relying on temporary accommodation.

Earlier this week, the Daily Record reported that the Scottish Government plans to reduce funding for the Ukraine Long Term Resettlement Fund (ULTRF), designed to turn empty houses into refugee accommodation, from £50m to £5m.  

Mr Cole-Hamilton said:  

“Far too many people are moving from one limbo to another, with thousands still living out of suitcases. The Scottish Government is now intensifying those pressures by slashing the funding that councils need to create and find enough housing for refugees.  

“The big promises that Scottish ministers made in the media have never been matched by enabling councils to vet volunteer hosts or find appropriate housing.  

“Some refugees were even forced to take the drastic step of returning to Ukraine for medical appointments and dental care- missile strikes are apparently less daunting than the waits in Scotland’s NHS.  

“Ministers must urgently rethink their brutal cut to vital local authority funding. If they fail to back up their platitudes and pledges with action on the ground, families and individuals will be trapped in further uncertainty, unable to get on with their lives.”