BROKEN PROMISES

Scottish Government fails to give councils cash to house people exiled by Putin's war

- PAUL HUTCHEON

HUMZA Yousaf has been warned not to break promises to Ukrainian refugees fleeing Vladimir Putin's terror after cutting vital funding.

The Scottish Government is refusing to match the £10million it initially gave councils to help desperate families.

Local authority chiefs, who received the bombshell news days before Christmas, have warned they may pull staff out of the hotels used by the Ukrainians.

Labour MSP Mark Griffin said: "It has been fantastic to see so many communities welcome those fleeing violence - but councils shouldn't be penalised for it.

"It would be a betrayal if the SNP failed to live up to its lofty rhetoric from the early days of this crisis and broke their promises to those fleeing this awful war Councils also hit out at the funding cut.

Mandy Watt, deputy leader of Edinburgh Council - which helps house the refugees - said: "After everything we have collectively done to support thousands of people who have suffered through so much, we are shocked at this decision which affects families starting a new life here in Scotland.

"We have real concerns that the changes, and withdrawal of previously anticipated funding for 2023-24, will result in unintended consequences and impact the country's support programme as a whole.

"Homelessness is rising and we face additional financial challenges due to Edinburgh being the worst funded local authority in all of Scotland; something the latest Scottish Government Budget laid out before Christmas doesn't look set to change." "We will be seeking greater clarity and I'm aware Cosla plans to progress this with the Cabinet Secretary next week.