Honiton residents who want to offer accommodation to refugees fleeing the Russian invasion of Ukraine can now register their interest on a government website.

The scheme, 'Homes for Ukraine', is designed to house Ukrainian nationals, or the immediate family of a Ukrainian national, who were resident in Ukraine before 1 January this year.

Refugees who arrive in the UK under this scheme will be able live and work here for up to three years and have access to healthcare, benefits, employment support, education, and English language tuition.

How can I offer accommodation?

People who want to provide accommodation must be able to do so for a minimum of six months, and ideally as long as possible.

You should not charge rent. There is also an optional payment of £350 for people who can accommodate one or more household to help with costs incurred.

You can offer a spare room, or separate self-contained accommodation.

You will not be expected to provide food or cover living expenses.

Initially you will only be able to sponsor a named person - and you'll have to contact them directly and fill in the visa application with all their details and yours from Friday 18 March.

However, the government has said that the scheme will be later be expanded to Ukrainians without UK links.

Both individuals and organisations can [L]https://homesforukraine.campaign.gov.uk/[L+]record their interest on the GOV.UK website here.