Ukrainian refugees living in the Cotswolds could be faced with homelessness if action is not taken soon.

Three councils have joined together in a bid to improve the support on offer to those who have fled the country following Russia’s invasion.

The Cotswold, Forest of Dean and West Oxfordshire district councils are now calling on the Government to do more for the Homes for Ukraine scheme.

The scheme was set up earlier this year but currently only covers 12 months, with local authorities let to support the guests and their hosts thereafter.

Leader of the Cotswold District Council, councillor Joe Harris  has warned that refugees could be made homeless if changes are not made soon.

He said: “On behalf of the hosts and guests in our areas we are calling on the Government to do more and provide local councils with a clear plan on how we can support our Ukrainian guests over the coming months and past the end of the initial scheme.

“We are doing all we can, and will continue to do so with the resources we have available, but without additional Government support there are risks for those who have fled their country to come here under the promise of the Government's help.

“We don't want to see any of our guests ending up in our homelessness system, but unfortunately that may be the outcome if the Government doesn't create a plan to follow up on their initial promise.”

Councillor Andy Graham, leader of West Oxfordshire District Council, added that hosts are being forced to drop out of the scheme due to the lack of support.

“The hosts in our areas and across the country have been amazing, but six months in we are seeing some unable to continue, and a lot of those who previously expressed an interest to act as hosts can no longer do so,” he said.

“Without a clear plan from the Government for how the scheme will continue after twelve months, it is leaving councils in a position where we are struggling to find homes for the Ukrainians living here.

“In the current climate it's very challenging for them to find a home for themselves when many have come here with very little and we cover some of the most expensive places to live in the country.”