Experts have warned that more than 800,000 new refugees could leave Ukraine this winter - just as Rishi Sunak's government is said to be considering abandoning a UK scheme to accommodate them.

 UNICEF, which provides humanitarian and development aid to children around the world, said desperate families would continue to flee by the thousands to escape Putin's invasion.

 But the warning comes amid a £50bn black hole revealed in Britain's finances, which Sunak and Chancellor Jeremy Hunt are desperately trying to plug.

 And it is understood that the Homes for Ukraine scheme, which gave members of the public £350 a month for housing for refugees, could be cut to save money.

 The project, led by the Department for Upgrading, Housing and Communities, is said to be among a number of areas being considered for cost-cutting.

 A source told MailOnline: "Nothing has been decided yet, there are lots of different schemes and budgets being considered across the board ahead of the autumn statement."

 A government official said: “Over 102,000 Ukrainians have come to the UK under our Homes for Ukraine scheme and the vast majority are settling in well.

 “Most sponsors want to continue to host guests beyond six months, but we are aware of the challenges households face due to the rising cost of living and continue to work to support them.

 "All arrivals can work, study and receive assistance from day one."

 UNICEF, which has helped at least 250,000 refugees since the start of the war, is hosting families at five Blue Dot locations in Poland.

 100,000 Ukrainians received housing under the British program "Houses for Ukraine".

 Landlords hosting refugees receive £350 a month from the government, as well as food and energy benefits.

 But as Sunak and Hunt try to balance their balance sheets, that and other expensive projects are in question.