A Margate ambulance driver says she has hit a wall in her efforts to offer a home to a Ukrainian woman because Thanet council says her bedroom windows “do not open wide enough.”
Sue Miller applied to the Homes for Ukraine scheme in May and is waiting to provide a place to stay for Kyiv resident Polina.
The Russo-Ukrainian War is an ongoing international conflict between Russia, alongside Russian-backed separatists, and Ukraine, which began in February 2014. It escalated in February 2022 when Russia invaded and occupied parts of Ukraine. At least 62,295 people have died since the upscaled conflict began.
The Homes for Ukraine scheme (formally known as the Ukraine Sponsorship scheme) allows individuals in the UK to sponsor a named Ukrainian national or family to come to live in the UK with them, providing they have suitable accommodation to offer.
But Sue’s Margate property failed the home inspection by Thanet council and she was told she needs escape windows in the bedroom – despite saying she already has escape windows.
The mum-of-three said: “Due to the layout of my house, it’s quite open plan downstairs, the council said I would need escape windows at the back. Both back bedrooms were fitted with escape windows years ago. Unfortunately they don’t meet the council’s tolerances. They have suggested I change the hinges.
“They are following the rules they set for landlords but I won’t be a landlord, I wish to sponsor a Ukrainian. I’ve been put in touch with a lady that wishes to come here and we’ve built a friendly relationship over WhatsApp during the last couple of months.”
Sue, 60, says she is awaiting the DBS check although she already has a full DBS due to her job and Polina’s visa in “imminent,” but these will be useless if her home is listed as failing the council check.
The nan-of-one said: “I have not told Polina yet, I haven’t got the heart as she is so desperate to get here. I’m not going to say no until I have explored every avenue.
“This is the only issue holding us up.”
Polina, 39, is hoping to come to the UK and study interior design. She has previously worked in the Ukrainian government service.
Sue, who has redecorated and bought all new items for Polina’s room, has written to councillors and MP Sir Roger Gale in an effort to get help and has asked for quotes to have the work done as well as enquiring about possible grants but says the decision seems “crazy.”
Sue added: “I want to help because of what Putin has done in Ukraine. I admire the Ukrainians, they have stood up to him and fought for their country. It’s dreadful and I want to do what I can to help.
“If I can’t afford to change the hinges Polina won’t be able to come. I find it hard to believe that the council thinks she would be safer with Putin than with an ambulance driver in Margate.”
A Thanet council spokesperson said: “Anyone who wishes to act as a host under the Homes for Ukraine (HFU) scheme must have their home inspected. In the event that a fire hazard is identified mitigating action must be taken before the property can be approved.
“Having inspections and property checks may seem like an additional barrier but in the event of a fire, the consequences could be serious, particularly if there is no adequate means of escape.”
