Ukrainian refugee support (HfU)
The Homes for Ukraine (HfU) is a unique scheme that has been set up specifically to support those escaping the conflict in Ukraine. The UK Government designed the Homes for Ukraine scheme to allow people to offer accommodation for a minimum of six months and for that offer to be matched to people from Ukraine wanting to come to the UK to seek sanctuary from war.
An information guide for hosts and Ukrainian people is available on the York City of Sanctuary website. The guide has been produced by partners working together to provide advice, guidance and practical support and covers frequently asked questions and includes links to support services.
See information on ways to support Ukrainian refugees and the support available to refugees themselves:
- organisations and appeals you can support
- upcoming local events and opportunities to support Ukraine
- Homes for Ukraine
- Ukraine Family Scheme
- support for hosts and Ukrainian families in York
- Ukrainian refugees and council tax
Homes for Ukraine
Register with the government's Homes for Ukraine if:
- you can offer accommodation to a Ukrainian refugee
- you’re a Ukrainian looking for a sponsor
The scheme requires potential sponsors to undertake a visa application naming a potential Ukrainian guest. York City of Sanctuary in partnership with City of York Council have set up a sponsorship matching register and a support network for refugees coming to York.
Please contact York City of Sanctuary if you are from Ukraine and are living in York or surrounding areas and want to help family and friends join the Homes for Ukraine scheme, email contact@yorkcos.org.uk
If you have accommodation and would like to sponsor a refugee from Ukraine, please fill out the form and register your interest in being a host or sponsor with York City of Sanctuary who will aim to link you with a Ukrainian refugee seeking a visa.
York City of Sanctuary have put in place a community support network for Ukrainians. Any Ukrainians living in York, or anyone who has Ukrainian friends or relatives should get in touch with the charity via email: contact@yorkcos.org.uk.
The council will be notified by UK government when a visa is granted, and the council Refugee Resettlement Team will contact the sponsor to arrange a home visit to inspect your property and to undertake criminal record checks on you and your family.
The council will support the sponsor and their guest(s) through a Refugee Worker from the Refugee Resettlement Team, who will be assigned to ensure that guests receive a warm welcome, immediate financial help and all necessary practical support to access school places and other relevant services, as well as ongoing support as required to help Ukrainians to integrate successfully into life in York.
For information, advice and support about the Homes for Ukraine scheme in York, contact homesforukraine@york.gov.uk. You can also read some frequently asked questions about the government scheme.
Support for hosts and Ukrainian families in York
The Government has a welcome guide for Ukrainians arriving in the UK.
An information guide providing support for hosts and Ukrainian people is available on the York City of Sanctuary website. The guide has been produced by partners working together to provide advice, guidance and practical support and covers frequently asked questions and includes links to support services.
Many of the children and families arriving in the UK who have fled the conflict in Ukraine, have experienced trauma; the Barnado's Ukrainian Support Helpline staffed by English, Ukrainian and Russian speakers, can offer support - help and advice is available on a range of issues.
To contact Barnardo’s free helpline, telephone: 0800 148 8586, Monday to Friday, from 10.00am to 8.00pm, or Saturday, 10.00am to 3.00pm. Alternatively, email: ukrainiansupport@barnardos.org.uk.
Ukrainian refugees and council tax
The government has introduced regulations to ensure that housing Ukrainian refugees will not affect council tax. The new council tax regulations, Council Tax (Discount Disregards and Exempt Dwellings) (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2022, came into force on 12 April 2022.
Households hosting Ukrainian refugees under the Homes for Ukraine Scheme or Family Scheme should notify the Council Tax Team of any arrivals and change of circumstances by email to: counciltaxukrainian@york.gov.uk, providing the following information:
- names of all refugees aged 18 years or over
- the address where they are staying
- the date they moved into property
- whether they are staying with a host family, or at a second/empty home
- the host's name(s)
- the host's home address, if different
The Refugee Resettlement team will also notify the Council Tax Team by email to advise them of every Ukrainian refugee arrival on the Homes for Ukraine scheme, providing this information.
The Council Tax Team will check any council tax discounts or charges in place at the property, such as Single Occupancy Discount, or additional charges for empty properties.
Where a property was previously empty, the Ukrainian refugee(s) will be made the named liable party. They will receive a new bill in their name.
Ukrainian refugees who are made liable for council tax and have received a council tax bill may be able to claim Council Tax Support.
Any other queries regarding council tax for Ukrainian refugees should be made by email to: counciltaxukrainian@york.gov.uk.
Ukraine Family Scheme
On Friday 4 March 2022, the UK launched the Ukraine Family Scheme. The Ukraine Family Scheme allows immediate and extended family members of British nationals, people settled in the UK, and certain others resident here, to come to the country.
Those granted under the scheme will be granted a visa that lasts three years, giving them certainty and ensuring their future in the country.
For more information on the scheme visit Gov.uk Ukraine Family Scheme.
Ukraine nationals who have come to York on a Ukraine Family Scheme visa do not have access to the specific support provided under the ‘Homes for Ukraine’ scheme; however, you will be able to live, work and study in the UK and access public funds.
