Council work in partnership with Hinckley & Rugby Building Society to support Ukrainian refugees

Hinckley & Rugby Building Society approached the council as it wanted to explore how it could help refugees in the borough. The council has been concerned that refugees entering the country to join family members through the Ukraine Family Visa Scheme are not entitled to any financial assistance. Only refugees on the Homes for Ukraine (H4U) scheme are currently entitled to receive financial assistance.

On the H4U scheme, families immediately receive £200 to assist with buying essential items such as food and toiletries. This financial stopgap helps support individuals and families until any relevant benefits are sorted. People on the family visa scheme do not receive this payment and their families are not always in a financial position to help.

Hinckley & Rugby Building Society has provided funds to the Borough Council, via their Community Foundation Fund, which will enable the authority to provide a £200 Sainsbury’s voucher to each member of the Ukraine family to assist them on arrival.

Leader of the Council, Cllr Stuart Bray said:

Refugees arriving in the borough who fit this visa criteria have been overwhelmed by the gesture. I would like to thank Hinckley & Rugby Building Society for its generosity and would like to hear from any other businesses which want to help in this manner.

I have seen first-hand the kindness of residents. Donations have steadily arrived at the council offices and local charities are working hard to sort and distribute items. It is humbling to see how much people want to help.

Refugees can expect a very warm welcome on arriving in the borough and I would like to thank everyone for their generosity.

Chief Executive Officer of Hinckley & Rugby Building Society, Colin Fyfe, said:

We have all seen a brief glimpse of the terrible events in Ukraine which have developed over the last few weeks. Although it is difficult to imagine the full extent of the disruption which so many ordinary people are facing, we believe that there is a role for the Society to play in offering support.

If you are a local business and wish to help, please contact us: Ukraine enquiries contact form