Advance apologies if this is considered an inappropriate thread topic. I keep hearing how wonderful British people are offering spare rooms to those fleeing the dreadful conflict. And that the householder will receive £350 per month [irrespective of how many people they take in] for 12 months. And that the refugees will be entitled to state benefits. This raises a few questions. Would a householder themselves in receipt of means tested benefits have the £350 discounted, or included in their income [scandalous thought!] And do the refugees need to be assisted by their host [unless someone else has taken it on] to register claims for UC, [or is it JSA, or what? ] ASAP as presumably payment will only get backdated to date of claim so haste is essential? I don't know what documents are needed, as I've not done a UC claim but DWP might need [ooh!] to be flexible if refugees don't have everything usually demanded, whatever that is.
Maybe Steve and Holiday could take these up with Government to clarify what seems to be a very disorganised situation.
Hosts might have to be able to feed their guests for a long time if the delay of 5 weeks extends due to the extra workload, although the Gov't website says feeding them is optional.
Many thanks to all the staff as ever, we'd be lost without you all, Denby
