PRIVATE landlords in Somerset are being offered cash incentives to house Ukrainian refugees.

An appeal for owners of vacant or soon-to-be vacant properties for rent has been launched.

Somerset sponsors have been hosting refugee families under the Government’s Homes for Ukraine scheme.

But accommodation is now needed as part of a pathway across all councils in the county for moving guests out of sponsor accommodation into private homes.

Somerset councils are offering a one-off cash incentive of £1,000 per bedroom up to a maximum of £4,000 for homes with four bedrooms and above.

Landlords will be asked to sign up Ukrainian tenants for a minimum 12-month term on a self-contained assured shorthold tenancy.

They must also agree to a rent that sits within Local Housing Allowance rates.

The initiative is only available to households who arrived in the UK via the Homes 4 Ukraine scheme and supports access to the private rented sector for Ukrainian households who may find it difficult to access accommodation without employment references or a guarantor.

Somerset County Council’s lead member for public health, equalities and diversity Cllr Adam Dance said: “We know that most hosts in Somerset are happy to continue with current arrangements, to support Ukrainians living with them.

"However a small proportion of these are now coming to an end.

“Given the market conditions for rental costs and the challenging housing supply, options are limited.

"And yet we know there are privately-owned empty properties that can be utilised to support our Ukrainian friends in Somerset.

“In order for us to house refugees, we need those generous landlords to come forward to offer accommodation.

"We very much hope they will respond to our appeal.”

Cllr Dance added: “We believe everyone deserves a safe and comfortable home.

"We will continue to seek new and innovative ways to house refugees because Somerset has a proud tradition of offering sanctuary to families fleeing war.”

Housing teams at Somerset' four district councils (Mendip, Sedgemoor, Somerset West and Taunton, and South Somerset), are working together with colleagues in public health to roll out the county’s pilot initiative.

The Government has provided additional money to local authorities to invest in homelessness prevention by engaging and incentivising landlords.

Funds are limited and will be issued on a first-come-first-served basis.

If you can offer a suitable property in Sedgemoor, Somerset West and Taunton or South Somerset, contact srht@sedgemoor.gov.uk and in Mendip contact housing.admin@mendip.gov.uk or call 0300 303 8588.

You’ll find full details of the incentive scheme, alongside terms and conditions, on our dedicated website pages www.somerset.gov.uk/Ukraine.