Wiltshire has been one of the top authorities in England taking in Ukraine nationals fleeing war – but it’s not enough.

Approximately 1,500 households originally registered for the Homes for Ukraine scheme in Wiltshire, but now only 708 remain.

Under the scheme, UK residents can become a sponsor and receive monthly payments for offering up their spare room or home to a Ukranian fleeing war.

There are currently 264 Ukranian families (526 individuals) in Wiltshire who are still in active sponsorship, and a further 206 families living in privately rented accommodation.

But Wiltshire Council are calling for more people to share their home, offering a one-off £200 payment on top of payment already included in the scheme.

This one-off payment is for anyone who refers a new host into the scheme who is able to commit to hosting a Ukrainian family for a minimum of six months.

“Now that the scheme has been operating for more than a year, the number of available hosts has decreased for a variety of reasons,” said Coun Richard Clewer, Leader of Wiltshire Council.

“We are at a point where we are once again asking those who might be prepared to provide a safe home to a Ukraine guest, to register their interest.

“We are particularly in need of hosts in Chippenham, Devizes, Trowbridge, Bradford on Avon, Melksham, Calne and Salisbury,” he added.

John Bell from Royal Wootton Bassett currently hosts two Ukranian refugees and has previously hosted five others under the Homes for Ukraine scheme.

"I have found it to be incredibly rewarding. Some of it has been a challenge but there is a great support network from the Wiltshire Council refugee team, other hosts and guests.

"I'm still in contact with my previous guests, four of whom have returned to Ukraine and one who is now house sharing with friends. They're all my lifelong friends now."

Felicity Courage from Bradford-on-Avon, who works with Ukranian families to match them to their Wiltshire hosts, says that right now the demand is higher than what Wiltshire can offer.

"I've been a host myself, and I have also filled in over 90 visas for Ukranian families.

"We really need some new hosts in Wiltshire for sure, as my little Ukranian Bradford-on-Avon community always ask me for a new host, and I struggle to find them one," she told The Adver.

Salisbury Journal: Felicity Courage has been matching Ukrainian families with Wiltshire hosts. Felicity Courage has been matching Ukrainian families with Wiltshire hosts.

Since the scheme started, Wiltshire has warmly welcomed 1503 Ukrainian guests into the county.

“But with Ukraine guests still arriving in the county, the need for hosts offering to house families is still just as great," the council leader added.

Anyone interested in hosting Ukraine people can register their interest at www.gov.uk/register-interest-homes-ukraine to receive more information on how to apply.