A TOTAL of 41 refugees from war-torn Ukraine have been provided with accommodation by North East Lincolnshire families since the Russian invasion.
This was the figure as of June 24.
To avoid stigmatising them, the Government recommends that they should be referred to as "guests" rather than refugees.
With no signs of an end to the conflict, a further 24 are expected in the weeks to come.
The arrivals are part of the Whitehall-backed Homes for Ukraine scheme, which is supported by NELC and partner organisations.
Says the council's assistant chief executive, Helen Isaacs: "Sponsors and any other adults living in the sponsor’s household are checked to ensure that they do not have a criminal record.
"Where there are minor offences, a risk assessment is undertaken which includes specialist safeguarding advice from relevant services such the police."
She continues: "All properties must meet certain criteria to ensure suitable accommodation for the guests, and, to this end, we are partnering with an external property-check provider."
Sponsors must not charge rent, but they are eligible for an optional £350 monthly ‘thank you’ payment for up to 12 months.
There are additional, more specialist arrangements for children who arrive without parents.
Ms Isaacs acknowledges there are risks.
She continues: "This could be from the sponsor they are paired with in terms of financial exploitation to external elements such as employment, organised crime, modern slavery or trafficking.
"We try to minimise as much risk as possible with our pre checks, sponsor visits, housing inspections, welfare checks, and we are in regular discussions with the police coming about mitigating this risk."
She adds: "There is also a risk that the relationship between the guest and the sponsor could break down, but there is a policy for standby rematching arrangements."
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