Refugees fleeing conflict in Ukraine have arrived in UK

The numbers of refugees set for Warrington have more than doubled in a month.

As of June 13th, 131 refugees have arrived in the UK due to stay with families in Warrington, up from 64 that had arrived by May 16th.

Conflict in Ukraine has forced thousands of people out of their own country

The new figures were released by the Home Office, and charities are warning of an increasing number of refugees who will become homeless.

This is because there are two separate schemes that allow refugees to seek shelter in the UK - the Ukraine Family Scheme, and the Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme.

The sponsorship scheme, also known as the 'Homes for Ukraine' allows individuals to stay with families in the UK for a minimum of six months; the family scheme allows refugees to stay with family already in the UK.

Charities are warning that the family scheme is going to increase pressures on families already struggling for space in the UK, which could lead to some refugees being forced into homelessness.

Some have called on the government to pledge more support for refugees

Enver Solomon, CEO of the Refugee Council, said: "We're concerned that Ukrainians arriving on family visas are running into problems as not all relatives will have the space or the resources to support their family members – which is why there needs to be the same level of funding available to them and local councils as is provided under the 'Homes for Ukraine' scheme."

A spokesperson for the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities said: "All arrivals have access to benefits and public services, as well as the right to work or study, from the day they arrive.

"Councils also have access to a rematching service to find a new sponsor in cases under the Homes for Ukraine scheme."