Plans to soften the impact of funding changes for Ukrainian refugees have been approved.

Cllr Mark Estcourt, lead member for adult social care and families, has agreed to temporarily “top-up” money given to hosts taking part in the Homes for Ukraine scheme.

Since the outbreak of the war, in March 2022, the scheme has offered a visa route for Ukrainians and their families to stay with a UK-based sponsor.

East Sussex County Council receives government funding for elements of the scheme, including a £350 per month ‘thank you’ payment for sponsors who take Ukrainians into their homes.

The government has announced its intention to reduce the scheme’s funding. From January 1, the payments for hosts will reduce to £100 per month.

Cllr Estcourt heard how officers had concerns the reduction could result in some hosts ending their arrangements. Officers said this had the potential for “heightened safeguarding risks”, as a result of Ukrainians needing to seek alternative housing options at short notice.

He agreed for the council to provide ‘top up’ payments, so all eligible hosts continue to receive £350 each month until March 31 next year. This would mitigate such risks, officers said.

Cllr Estcourt said: “This was dropped on us without any prior warning. These people are in desperate need of assistance and I am just so pleased we are able to consider the help for them from the 1st of January.”

Officers said the “worst case” cost of providing these top-ups (at £250 per month) has been estimated at £93,000. This figure is based on the county’s 75 hosts continuing to be eligible, as well as new arrivals joining the scheme.

Cllr Estcourt also agreed for the council to provide a “guarantee that new hosts receive £350 per month for the first six months of hosting”.

Officers said funding for both elements would be drawn down from underspent grant funding linked to the Homes for Ukraine scheme. Officers said this funding is ring-fenced and cannot be spent on other council services.