Some of the 87,000 Ukrainians who have come to the UK since the Russian invasion last February are suffering problems because of unintended gaps in the support arrangements, Lord Loomba told the House of Lords in a special debate to discuss the welfare of refugees from the war-torn country [7 July].
Lord Loomba commended the Government on the progress made in processing refugee applications, providing a helpline and welcome pack, and the financial support for refugees, host families and local authorities, but there are gaps in the system and not enough thought has been given to what happens when the original commitments from hosting families come to an end.
Highlighting the Loomba Foundation’s partnership with Barnardos, under which 1,000 refugee families receive vouchers redeemable in Barnardos shops for everyday needs such as nappies, toys and clothes, Lord Loomba said: “We are playing our part as best we can, but it is only Government that can connect the dots and ensure the inevitable gaps are plugged.” It is on that basis, he added, that he was asking the Government to help identify where things could be better and to make improvements.
Problems that have come to light included an increase in demand for food vouchers, poor access to technology devices leading to digital exclusion, and concerns about the adequacy of vetting for unaccompanied minors.
With regards to education, Lord Loomba said, “Barnardos have seen instances of children’s applications to schools being rejected because of fear of disruption. He appealed to the Government to provide funding for ICAM, a programme to support children affected by migration.
“Many Ukrainians are educated to a degree or professional level but are struggling to find work because their qualifications are not recognised,” Lord Loomba said, urging the Minister to look at this urgently.
When families move on from their hosts, continuity of childcare, schooling, and employment should all be carefully considered before they are relocated. “Are the resources available to local authorities sufficient to address rehousing needs when we already have Syrian and Afghan families accommodated in hotels?”
In response, the Refugees Minister Lord Harrington welcomed Lord Loomba’s contribution and proposed arranging a meeting with Lord Loomba and Barnardos to address the points that had been raised and see if improvements could be made.
