Homes for Ukraine: Help with Council Tax
The Homes for Ukraine (HFU) scheme allows sponsors in the UK to nominate a Ukrainian individual or family to stay with them in their home or another property.
Reductions for sponsors
If you are a sponsor of a Ukrainian guest under the HFU scheme and you are currently in receipt of a Council Tax discount, your entitlement to the discount will not be affected. For example, if you get a 25% discount because you are the only adult in a property, you will continue to receive a 25% reduction.
If your property is currently exempt from Council Tax for any reason, you will not lose the exemption.
Reductions for Ukrainian nationals
If you're a Ukrainian national and your sponsor provides separate accommodation for you, for example in another property the sponsor owns, but does not live in, then you will be responsible for the Council Tax yourself.
If all the residents have HFU visas then you will receive a 50% discount. You will be responsible for paying half of the Council Tax on the property, but you may be able to claim Council Tax reduction which is based on your income.
If you are a Ukrainian national and have a HFU visa and the sponsorship agreement ends, you can look for your own property to rent.
You will be responsible for the Council Tax, but if all the residents have HFU visas you will receive a 50% discount and may also be able to claim Council Tax reduction.
You may also be able to claim Universal Credit for support with your day to day living expenses and help with your rent.
Applying for support
If you are a sponsor and you wish to apply for a reduction you must provide
- Names of the Ukrainian guests
- The date they moved in
- Evidence that they have permission to enter or stay in the UK under the HFU scheme
- The address of the property the Ukrainian nationals occupy, either with the sponsor or provided by the sponsor.
If you are a Ukrainian national and have moved to independent accommodation, you must provide evidence that you have permission to enter or stay in the UK under the HFU scheme.
If you need help or any other information regarding Council Tax please contact us at [email protected] or by calling 01827 709530.