I wish to offer support during the Ukrainian crisis

Residents who wish to volunteer their home to host those fleeing the war in Ukraine can do so via the government's 'Homes for Ukraine' initiative. Further information on how the scheme operates and how residents can register is available on the GOV.UK Homes for UK: sponsor guides.

Additionally, if you wish to donate to help the Ukrainian people in their time of crisis you can do so through the British Red Cross Disaster Emergency Committee Ukrainian Humanitarian Appeal: DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal British Red Cross.

Additional sponsorship payment for Ukrainian Host Families

Surrey County Council and local district and borough councils who are managing the "Homes for Ukraine" scheme locally have agreed an additional 'thank you' payment, to be paid monthly to host families for as long as the government continue to provide a contribution towards the thank you payments and resource local authorities with the core tariff funding. This is acknowledging that the financial circumstances faced by host families in Surrey, who welcomed Ukrainians into their homes, will have changed from the time they agreed to host Ukrainian families to our current economic situation in the UK.

Currently, host families are paid £350 a month for being sponsors to guests within their first year, which rises to £500 once guests have been in the UK for more than 12 months. However, it has been agreed that the county council will top up this payment to enable all hosts (who pass all the relevant checks) to receive an increased 'thank you' payment of £600 whilst they are eligible for them, if they continue to host. This is to compensate for the rise in energy, food, and fuel bills in this cost of living crisis.

Who does this apply to?

This applies to existing hosts who are already in receipt of thank you payments, and new hosts who complete all the checks satisfactorily going forward. This funding comes from DLUHC via the County Council to the district and borough councils to pay the sponsors directly, once they have passed all the relevant housing, DBS and safeguarding checks.

Already a host receiving monthly payments of £350?

There is no need for you to do anything, as the additional £250 payment will be paid automatically by your district or borough into your nominated account.

If you wish to opt out of the additional payment, please let your local district or borough council know.

Already a host and opted out of receiving monthly £350 payments?

You may have opted out of receiving monthly payments of £350 as a host and your financial circumstances have now changed. If you feel that you now would prefer to receive monthly payments in order for you to continue to support your Ukrainian guests, please let your local district or borough council know and they can talk through your circumstances.

District and Borough Council Information

Could you become a host family?

We do not have enough new hosts in Surrey to cope with the ongoing demand. We are increasing payments to thank people, to recognise the increased cost of living, to encourage more hosts to come forward, but also to incentivise people to return to hosting, if they previously stopped due to financial hardship or concerns about increased household costs in the months ahead.

If you have any questions about the Homes for Ukraine scheme, visit the GOV.UK Homes for Ukraine: sponsor guides webpage.

Useful information about hosting

If you're thinking of becoming a UK host or are about to arrive in the UK from Ukraine the following organisations have put together some useful guides with information and guidance on things to consider when becoming a host or being hosted in the UK.

The Ukrainian Institute London

The Ukrainian Institute London website provides useful links, information and guidance for UK hosts looking to support Ukrainians and for Ukrainians arriving in the UK.

Ukrainian London - Guide for hosts

This Homes for Ukraine - a guide for hosts aims to provide information for those who are already hosting Ukrainian refugees under the Homes for Ukraine scheme, or are planning to do so. This guide has been developed by a team of volunteers within Ukrainian London initiative and is being constantly updated.

Reset Communities and Refugees

Reset supports and leads the Community Sponsorship movement in the UK, where over 300 groups have prepared to welcome refugees in the UK. They are now offering a matching, training and support service to sponsors and refugees under the Homes for Ukraine Scheme.

Hosting Good Practice Guide by NACCOM the No Accommodation Network

Hosting Good Practice Guide Part 1: Key Considerations For Prospective Hosts