The British Red Cross' Autumn Statement response

Responding to the Autumn Statement, Olivia Field, Head of Policy for the British Red Cross, said: 

“It’s good to see the government increase the Local Housing Allowance and extend ‘thank you’ payments for people hosting Ukrainian families through the Homes for Ukraine scheme. It comes at a time when people across the UK are feeling the squeeze of the cost of living and will help prevent Ukrainians from falling into homelessness.   

“While we welcome today’s announcement, there is still more to be done. Ukrainians who arrived on the Family Visa Scheme, and their relatives hosting them, still do not receive any financial support. 

“The government should provide ‘thank you’ payments to hosts on the Family Scheme too. It must also continue to work with local authorities to ensure all refugees get the support they need to find safe, secure and affordable long-term accommodation.” 

About the British Red Cross 

For over 150 years, the British Red Cross has helped people in crisis, whoever and wherever they are. With millions of volunteers across 191 countries, the British Red Cross is part of an international humanitarian Movement that’s there for people before, during and after a crisis. Together, we are the world’s emergency responders.