Proposals to increase payments for refugee hosts

But scheme will close to new applicants at the end of March if Tynwald approves changes

A scheme allowing Manx residents to claim support payments if they house Ukrainian refugees will close to new applicants at the end of this month, but higher payments will be available to those hosting guests for more than six months.

That's if changes to the Isle of Man Homes for Ukraine scheme are approved in Tynwald later this month.

The proposals include doubling the monthly payment from £240 to £480 to those who've had Ukrainians staying with them for at least six months, with a maximum total payment of £4,320 over 12 months.

The Cabinet Office says there's been a significant decrease in Ukrainians travelling to the Island in recent months, and as a result it's planning to stop accepting new applications for support on 31 March.

Treasury has agreed to carry forward £177,842 from funds previously allocated to the scheme, which Cabinet says will be enough to fund the additional cost.