Over £300m Allocated to English Councils for Ukrainian Refugee Housing Remains Unspent

Published: 18 August 2025. The English Chronicle Desk

A significant portion of funds earmarked to support Ukrainian refugees in England has yet to be used, leaving thousands at risk of homelessness. Freedom of Information requests submitted to 150 councils across the country, shared with the Guardian, revealed that £327 million—approximately one-third of the £1 billion allocated—remains untouched more than three years after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The majority of the money that has been spent has gone towards staffing and partner organisations, while only £22 million has been directed toward temporary housing and £15 million toward private rented accommodation for Ukrainian families. Many refugees continue to face challenges in securing private rentals due to deposit requirements, limited knowledge of the UK rental system, and language barriers. Additionally, finding a UK-based guarantor remains a significant obstacle for many.

Research by the British Red Cross earlier this year indicated that Ukrainian refugees are over twice as likely as the general UK population to experience homelessness. Estimates suggest that more than 6,400 Ukrainian families may face some form of housing insecurity this year.

Baljeet Nijjhar from UKrainian Refugee Help, who compiled the council data, highlighted the difficulties refugees face despite the available funding. She noted that while some councils have adopted a proactive approach, others have done little to help Ukrainians access private rentals, leaving many in precarious situations. She urged the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) to establish spending targets and ensure the funds are used efficiently to support refugees in securing accommodation.

Ukrainian refugee and trainee lawyer Solomiia Baranets shared her personal struggles in finding housing for her family. She reported contacting over 50 landlords without success and receiving no assistance from her local council, forcing her to navigate the housing system independently.

Stan Beneš, director of Opora, an organisation that helps Ukrainians rebuild their lives, described council support as inconsistent, with disparities arising from differences in resources, priorities, and structures across the UK. He emphasized that while some refugees receive substantial assistance, many others remain unsupported, compounded by the trauma of war and displacement.

Dr Krish Kandiah, director of the Sanctuary Foundation, praised the generosity of the British public and stressed the need to ensure that every Ukrainian refugee has secure and dignified housing.

An MHCLG spokesperson stated that councils receive funding per refugee arrival and may distribute it over time, based on the specific needs of their communities. “Councils are best placed to understand the needs of their local populations and explain how this funding is spent,” the spokesperson added.