Cheshire East Council has confirmed that a number of Ukrainian refugees have already arrived in the borough - under the Homes for Ukraine scheme.

The Homes for Ukraine scheme was launched last month in support of Ukrainians fleeing the war in their country.

Phase One of the scheme allowed registered sponsors in the UK to nominate a named Ukrainian or a named Ukrainian family to stay with them in their home or in a separate property.

Alsager Nub News understands two Ukrainian families arrived in Manchester this week and are being hosted by a family in Alsager.

Ukrainians that are known to the sponsors in the UK, can come into the country under a visa to live, work and study in the UK and access public funds for three years.

Sponsors are required to provide accommodation for as long as they are able, with a minimum expectation of six months.

Speaking at a meeting of the council's corporate policy committee, Leader of the Council, Councillor Sam Corcoran (pictured) said, "I am delighted that Cheshire East Council is playing its part in welcoming Ukrainian refugees to the country.

"Thirteen people have already arrived, and to you and your compatriots, I would like to say 'Welcome'."

Leader of Cheshire East Council, Cllr Sam Corcoran (Cheshire East Council).

Cheshire East Council is supporting the national Homes for Ukraine scheme. 

To date, 130 sponsors across the borough have offered accommodation, with 316 Ukrainian refugees having applied for visas to come to Cheshire East.

The council has a number of responsibilities under the scheme, including safety and safeguarding checks on properties and sponsor households, managing payments and supporting school and early year placements.

Council officers are now in the process of making contact with sponsors and their Ukrainian guests, carrying out the required safety checks and arranging any additional support, including securing school places, as appropriate.

Following the meeting, Councillor Corcoran (pictured) said, "These individuals and families are escaping significant peril in their home country, and we can only imagine the risks and anxiety they may experience in the journey to the UK. 

"Many will have left loved ones behind. 

"As a council, it is our job to make sure that the homes they are coming to are safe and that they can access local public services, such as health and well-being services and education when they arrive here."

Deputy Leader of the Council, Councillor Craig Browne said, "I would like to thank the sponsors for offering accommodation and our council officers for putting support and safeguarding arrangements in place quickly."