UK couple may have to evict Ukrainian refugees owing to planning rules

"Rosemary Duckett, 80, a retired magistrate and former chair of her local YMCA, and her husband, Anthony, 88, have been providing accommodation in a room above their garage to Ukrainian refugees since 2022. The couple were dismayed when the council recently told them they could no longer use the room, which has a small bathroom attached, to provide somewhere for Ukrainians to live without applying for a change of use for the room, at a cost of 600-800."

"The Ducketts live in Henley-on-Thames, an upmarket area described as arguably one of the most beautiful towns in England. Rents are high and available properties in the area are scarce. They first offered to accommodate Ukrainian refugees when the government appealed for people to come forward soon after Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. Officials from South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse district council visited the couple's home and approved the room as suitable for Ukrainian refugees."

"Liubava Ignatcko and her daughter Ariana stayed there for a year before the current Ukrainian guest moved in. She has a job as a cleaner and the couple do not charge her rent, due to her low income. They ask her only to cover the cost of the utilities like electricity and heating that she uses. As a host of Ukrainian refugees, Duckett was invited by the prime minister to a reception at 10 Downing Street in February of this year"

Rosemary Duckett, 80, and her husband Anthony, 88, have housed Ukrainian refugees in a room above their garage since 2022, with a small attached bathroom. South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse district council initially approved the room as suitable, but recently told the couple they must apply for a change of use at a cost of £600–£800 or stop hosting. The couple do not charge rent and ask guests only to contribute to utilities. The property is in Henley-on-Thames, where rents are high and available homes are scarce. One guest works as a cleaner and now faces potential eviction.

Read at www.theguardian.com