UK Union Issues More Guidelines for the Home for Ukraine Scheme

The Home for Ukraine scheme launched by the UK government saw responses from more than 100,000 people. They have now become the guests of British families.

Under this scheme, Ukrainians with eligible sponsors in the UK capable of providing accommodation may apply for a visa. It is free, and there is no immigration health surcharge or biometric enrolment fee. The sponsors can be from anywhere in the UK and of any nationality. However, they must have at least six months' permission to stay in the UK. Meanwhile, the government’s Department of Levelling UP, Housing and Communities has issued new guidance for the scheme. This is in addition to the guidance the local council has already provided. The new guidance covers the following points:

Continuing Sponsorship

Some sponsors might want to continue sponsoring their Ukrainian guests for over six months. The government is asking hosting guests to continue hosting for as long as possible. If they continue to host the guests for 12 months, they can receive thank-you payments for the additional months they host. Those hosting a guest without the agreement of the local council are not eligible to claim the thank you payment. That is because such hosting is considered outside the Homes for Ukraine Scheme. Many hosts cannot continue to offer accommodation after six months, and guests might want their accommodation. In such cases, the government urges the hosts to work with their guests and develop a plan for their future accommodation.

Rent A Room Scheme

Hosts unable or unwilling to host guests could consider renting a room in their home under the Rent A Room Scheme. This scheme is an accommodation option to support guests. Hosts can earn up to a maximum of 7,500 per year, tax-free, from renting out accommodation in their homes.

Rematching or Finding A New Host

Rematching happens when your guests are unwilling to leave sponsorship and find their accommodation. Also, you can no longer accommodate them. They must find a new host. You can help them by connecting with a friend or someone who knows, a reputed provider, local groups, charities, etc. You can also approach the local council to help guests find a new host.

Once they find a new host, the guests must contact the local council. They will run the mandatory checks and give the green signal to the arrangement. If the guests want to move to another part of the UK, they must inform the local council before making a move so that the council in the new area can be informed. They will run the necessary checks and make suitable living arrangements.

If this important step is not adhered to, the guest could be at risk. The new host will not be eligible for the thank you payment. If existing guests move out, hosts can give the accommodation to another guest and receive the monthly payment. There is a separate process for sponsoring a child without a parent or a guardian. Rematching children also involves a different process.

Renting Private Accommodation

The UK government has published a guide (available online) to help guests understand the renting process in England. It will help guests move out of sponsorship into independent accommodation smoothly. Guests considering renting their accommodation can find the information they need about their rights and responsibilities as a tenant. The local council can be contacted for all accommodation and sponsorship issues.