Residents hosting guests through the Homes for Ukraine scheme are now eligible for an extra £150 a month to help them cope with cost-of-living concerns.

The thank you payment from East Sussex County Council is to help hosts cope with increased living costs this winter and show gratitude to those who have shown continued kindness and generosity.

From October 2022 to March 2023, monthly payments for existing and new hosts with fewer than five guests rise to £500 while those accommodating families of five this rises to £650.

In addition, residents who host for 12 consecutive months and are willing to extend their placements beyond the 12-month period will get a one-off incentive payment of £1,000.

In East Sussex, 529 households are hosting Ukrainian guests, and more host families are desperately needed. More information on hosting and the support available to Ukrainian guests is accessible via the County Council’s website.