Gloucestershire County Council will be offering all sponsors of Ukrainian guests £375 per household for November, December and January.

The increased payment is to help towards their energy costs. It will be paid to every sponsor in the county, regardless of how long they have been hosting their guests.

Any guest who has moved out into the private rented sector will also be eligible to receive this payment (conditions apply).

In addition, those sponsors who have offered to continue to provide accommodation beyond the first six months will also receive an additional £100 per month for months seven to 12 of their hosting arrangements, in addition to the existing monthly £350 'thank you' payment already offered to all sponsors.

Cllr Mark Hawthorne, leader of Gloucestershire County Council, said: "As the atrocities in Ukraine continue, we want to make sure Ukrainian guests in Gloucestershire are supported as much as possible. The extra payments will hopefully encourage sponsors to continue beyond the first six months, providing stability to those who have had to flee their homes and their country.

"We hope this increased financial support will give Ukrainian guests, many of whom have seen these atrocities first hand, more time to settle into communities, find employment and restart their lives."

There is still a need for sponsors in Gloucestershire. If you are interested in supporting a Ukrainian guest, you can contact the Homes for Ukraine and find out more information here.