Ukrainian refugees could face homelessness if more is not done to support hosts in Cumbria, it has been warned.

More than 130 households across the county have opened their doors to guests under the Government’s Homes for Ukraine scheme.

The majority of refugees matched with Cumbrian sponsors under the scheme are understood to be settling well.

However, figures unearthed by this publication show several have already been relocated following issues around safeguarding, unsuitable accommodation, ill health and relationship problems.

And the cost-of-living crisis could lead to more arrangements breaking down as hosts struggle to make ends meet, experts say. 

Responses to our Freedom of Information request suggest that around half a dozen people who arrived in Cumbria under the scheme have been identified as homeless or at risk of homelessness, while ten have been relocated.

Where arrangements fail, councils have a duty to ensure people are not left without a roof over their heads, according to a Government spokeswoman.

Cumbria County Council has used social housing and even a caravan as temporary accommodation for Ukrainian refugees who have moved on from their original host.

Experts say hundreds of Ukrainians – mostly women and children – are at risk of homelessness nationally due to hosting complications.

And the problem could worsen with the financial pressure of running a household set to increase significantly in the coming months.

The Refugee Council has called on the Government to ensure hosts and refugees are adequately funded and supported.

CEO Enver Solomon said: “We welcomed the fact that thousands of British people opened their homes, however these hosting arrangements were always going to encounter challenges in the long-term.

“And now the additional burden of the cost of living on families in the UK poses a further threat to vulnerable Ukrainians.”

Mr Solomon said the Government must ensure its Ukrainian schemes are fit for purpose and both refugees and host families are effectively supported in the long-term.

Ukrainian Sponsorship Pathway UK is a Government-recognised provider of support for those coming into the UK via the scheme.

A spokeswoman said fewer people are coming forward to be hosts and many who signed up initially have changed their minds.

She said it is vital that hosts were fully aware of what they are signing up to do, adding: “We recognise that some people who applied to be sponsors did not consider how big a responsibility it is to host.”

A Government spokeswoman said the vast majority of Ukrainians in Cumbria are settling in well.

She said: “In the minority of cases where family or sponsor relationships break down, councils have a duty to ensure families are not left without a roof over their head.

“Councils are being given £10,500 per person to cover costs and have access to a rematching service to find a new sponsor in cases under the Homes for Ukraine scheme.”