In response to a glaring lack of public transport services in rural areas, Ukrainian refugees residing in Herefordshire will be provided with transport grants valued at £500. The absence of adequate transportation options has often compelled Ukrainian guests to rely on alternate means, primarily their hosts, for mobility.
Herefordshire Council, recognizing the challenges faced by refugees due to this deficiency, has introduced the grant system. Eligible recipients, aged five and above, can allocate the grant towards a spectrum of transportation options, including public transport, taxi services, vehicle or bicycle purchase and maintenance, and acquiring a driving license.
The grant initiative is particularly pertinent given the context of approximately 700 Ukrainians currently residing with host families in Herefordshire.
As part of the government’s “Homes for Ukraine” program, local authorities receive £5,900 per individual, reflecting a decrease from last year’s £10,500 allocation. The implementation of transport grants is projected to cost around £330,000 at maximum, an estimate that factors in participation by 600 guests along with a 10% allowance for administrative expenses.
Parallel to this, Herefordshire Council is extending supplementary funding aimed at supporting groups dedicated to integrating Ukrainian refugees. This additional support is drawn from the same government funding allocation and is sustained by the Support for Ukraine Community Integration Grant. This grant facilitates payments of up to £100,000 to community and voluntary organizations involved in the integration process. The extension of this grant initiative has been prolonged until the culmination of January 2025.
