Ukraine - A Warm Scots Future: policy position

Next steps

The Scottish Government and its partners, including COSLA, local government, the third sector and community volunteers remain committed to welcoming and supporting all those fleeing war and persecution. The high number of people arriving from Ukraine in a short period of time presented a unique and unprecedented challenge that required a unique response. However, as the emergency nature of the response subsides, the five strategic priorities set out in this paper will guide and inform our continued support for displaced people from Ukraine over the longer-term.

By working collaboratively with partners in COSLA, local government, the third sector and displaced people to develop plans and actions that will deliver the five priorities, the Scottish Government aims to support a trauma-informed, rights-based approach to integration for displaced people from Ukraine so that they can pursue their own goals while they remain in Scotland. This will include working to reduce the reliance on temporary welcome accommodation in favour of more long-term, settled housing options for displaced people from Ukraine that support better integration outcomes. This will be supported by continuing to bring housing back into use through the Ukraine Longer-Term Resettlement Fund, and supporting access to the private rental sector. The Scottish Government will also look to provide greater certainty for displaced people from Ukraine in Scotland by continuing to seek urgent clarity from, and working with, the UK Government to develop durable solutions for displaced people from Ukraine after the three-year visa period ends.

The Scottish Government recognises the distinct and important roles of all the partners and the importance of ensuring that the lived experience of displaced people from Ukraine continues to shape the response. The next phase will continue to be one of partnership and collaboration between the New Scots partners – Scottish Government, COSLA and the Scottish Refugee Council – as well as local authorities, third sector and third sector interfaces, community and diaspora groups, and displaced people themselves.