Therefore, we move on to item 8, and that item is the Allocation of Housing and Homelessness (Eligibility) (Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2022. And I call on the Deputy Minister for Climate Change to move the motion, namely Lee Waters.

Motion NNDM7983 Lesley Griffiths

To propose that the Senedd, in accordance with Standing Order 27.5:

1. Approves that the draft The Allocation of Housing and Homelessness (Eligibility) (Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2022 is made in accordance with the draft laid in the Table Office on 8 April 2022.

Motion moved.

Diolch, Llywydd. The UK Government has introduced new immigration rules for people affected by the war in Ukraine. These will provide limited leave to remain for people who get permission to come to the UK from Ukraine, and those who were here before the war started. They will, therefore, avoid the normal requirements of immigration control. This means there is no cost to making an application, nor is there any need to demonstrate financial independence, English language, literacy or a settled intention to stay in the UK through the habitual residence test. As Wales is a nation of sanctuary, the Welsh Government fully supports this approach.

This has knock-on consequences for the way we provide public services, and the regulations before the Senedd today are designed to help people fleeing Ukraine with access to housing or housing assistance when they arrive. I hope that Members will understand why we have introduced regulations more quickly through the Senedd's processes than normal. Many people fleeing Ukraine are already in the country, and we want to ensure that there is clarity and certainty in the law to support them.

We are grateful to the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee for considering the regulations in less time than is normally taken. This is not a request we have taken lightly, but the urgency of the situation demands this approach to avoid potential disadvantage for those who might face delay in finding a home or assistance should they become homeless.

The Allocation of Housing and Homelessness (Eligibility) (Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2022 will provide people who apply successfully to the UK Government's Ukraine schemes with eligibility for housing and housing assistance. Ukraine schemes cover the immediate and extended family members of British nationals who come from Ukraine to stay in the UK, any person who has applied successfully to the Homes for Ukraine sponsorship scheme, and those already permitted to be in the UK before 18 March of this year who have been granted permission to extend their stay in the UK under the Ukraine extension scheme. 

The regulations will waive the habitual residence test for Ukrainians coming to Wales and do the same for returning British nationals and people who are not subject to immigration control who are fleeing the conflict in Ukraine. This will mean they can access benefits and services, including housing or housing assistance, from day one of their arrival rather than having to wait one to three months to satisfy the test. 

Llywydd, Ukraine's neighbours have shown extraordinary generosity in the welcome they have given to people fleeing the war. Most Ukrainians will want to return as soon as possible and remain as close as they can to their homes. But the scale of the conflict means that all countries in Europe must offer their support and comfort. We will do this too. Wales is a nation of sanctuary, so through these regulations, let us make clear to the people of Ukraine who come to Wales and are in need of our help that they will receive it. Diolch.

Thank you. I have no other contributors to this debate, and I take it that the Deputy Minister doesn't wish to contribute further. Therefore, I will ask whether we should agree the motion. Does any Member object? No, there is no objection to that. Therefore, the motion is agreed in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.

Motion agreed in accordance with Standing Order 12.36.