Homes for Ukraine: Where Newcastle ranks in the North East for welcoming refugees under spare room scheme

New figures show just how many Ukrainian refugees each area in the UK is welcoming under the Homes for Ukraine scheme.

The UK Government’s sponsorship scheme has come under fire as the latest figures show just 3% of applications made under the scheme have resulted in a refugee arriving in the UK.

The Homes from Ukraine scheme attracted huge support when it launched last month, but analysis found an average of 67 people have arrived in the country each day from its launch on March 18 to April 5.

A regional disparity has also been seen with almost 2,300 visas approved in the South East, whilst just 190 have been given to the North East.

Newcastle North MP Catherine McKinnell criticised the Government's lack of urgency in implementing the scheme, she said: "There are significant delays in speaking with officials, and this is leading to further anxiety and frustration for constituents wanting to support applicants.

"Whilst I absolutely recognise the pressures Home Office staff must be facing, I am very concerned with the delays in obtaining updates.

"When we have been able to speak with officials and have been assured by Home Office staff that individual cases would be escalated, this has repeatedly not been actioned and no progress has been made.

"This situation clearly demands greater urgency. The devastating crisis in Ukraine has led millions to flee their home, with many seeking sanctuary in the UK.

"Constituents across Newcastle North have stepped up to support and offered help through the Homes for Ukraine Scheme but feel that they are being let down as a result of Home Office delays."

Below are the North East areas welcoming the most Ukrainian refugees on the Homes from Ukraine scheme - data does not include visas obtained through the Ukraine Family Scheme.