Homes for Ukraine row won’t be investigated by ombudsman as court claim launched
He alleged that the council should also have paid him for February 2025.
A man launched a county court claim against Shropshire Council after he alleged that it wrongly removed him from the ‘Homes for Ukraine’ scheme and failed to pay him his dues.
Mr X also complained to an ombudsman after the council removed him from the scheme in 2025 and owed him £1,050 for three months of hosting.
Hosts under the Homes for Ukraine scheme are entitled to receive £350 per month.
Mr X says the council’s actions in removing him have impacted his ‘standing in the community’ and caused him financial difficulty.
The council later agreed to pay him £700 for December 2024 and January 2025.
The ombudsman recorded that Mr X says he returned the money to the council and filed a money claim at County Court in relation to payments owed.
The Ombudsman confirmed that because Mr X had filed a court claim it was not able to investigate it.
The council told the Ombudsman that it removed Mr X as a host and did not initially consider he qualified for payment for the disputed period.
The Ombudsman found that the council’s decision to take him off the list was one it was entitled to make and it had seen no evidence of fault.
“The council accepts it did not clearly notify Mr X of its decision but it has apologised for this and it is unlikely further investigation would achieve significantly more as we have no power to overturn the council’s decision,” the ombudsman stated.
The LDRS asked the council is the county court case has been settled and why it removed Mr X from the scheme.
Councillor James Owen, portfolio holder for housing at Shropshire Council said: “We are aware of this case and understand that this matter has been raised.
“However, as it relates to an individual situation, it would not be appropriate for the council to comment on the specific circumstances of the case.
“However, we can confirm that all payments due to hosts under the Homes for Ukraine scheme have been processed and paid in line with the council’s responsibilities.
“Where concerns are raised regarding payments or participation in the scheme, these are reviewed and addressed in accordance with the relevant guidance and procedures.
“The council is grateful to all hosts who have opened their doors and welcomed guests into their homes.”