Housing minister visit

A DUNDEE project providing homes and support for people fleeing the war in Ukraine has been highlighted by the Scottish Government.

Housing Minister, Paul McLennan MSP was in the city to find out more about how the Scottish Government’s Longer-Term Resettlement Fund is providing settled accommodation for 111 Ukrainian guests.

Hosted by Mark Flynn, convener of Dundee City Council’s neighbourhood regeneration, housing and estate management committee, his deputy Lynne Short and senior council officials, Mr McLennan was briefed on the scheme’s success.

In common with other Scottish councils, Dundee is working closely with both the UK and Scottish Governments to support people displaced by the Russian invasion of Ukraine just over two years ago.

Initially displaced people who came to the city were put up in temporary accommodation after arriving as part of the Scottish Government’s Super Sponsor scheme, but since then the council and its partners have been working hard to provide homes and other support. 

A total of 54 social rented houses have been brought back into use supported by £450,000 from the Ukraine Longer-Term Resettlement Fund, providing safe and secure homes across the city.

Cllr Flynn said: “In Dundee we are proud to continue to stand with Ukraine and offer a place of sanctuary for those who need it.

“We can only imagine the absolutely shattering effect on people’s lives that the horrors of war have brought to these families, but the support and care that is being shown is inspiring.

“This city has a long and honourable history of supporting people affected by conflict, and this scheme and other aspects of our collective humanitarian response, again shows what a caring place Dundee is.”

Following a detailed presentation on the work to provide permanent homes for the displaced people from Ukraine, Mr McLennan said: “Dundee City Council’s work to renovate so many empty properties is inspiring, helping Ukrainian families to rebuild their lives in the city and giving them a secure place to call home.

“Once these homes are no longer being used by Ukrainian people seeking refuge from the war, they will be returned to the city’s social housing stock – leaving a positive legacy for Dundee.

"This project has been supported through our Ukraine Longer-Term Resettlement Fund, which is allowing councils and Registered Social Landlords across the country to bring disused properties back into use.

"More than 1200 homes have been renovated through the fund so far, helping provide Ukrainian people with the stability they need to settle into communities.”    

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