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Homes for Ukraine scheme in North Norfolk
The Government has released information about the Homes for Ukraine scheme for those interested in housing a Ukrainian family in North Norfolk.
The Homes for Ukraine scheme will offer the following:
- a route for those leaving Ukraine and wanting to come to the UK, who already have someone willing to provide them with a home
- allow individuals, charities, community groups and businesses to volunteer and provide a safe route for Ukrainians and their immediate family members who have left their homeland
- allow successful applicants under the scheme to provide a minimum of six months accommodation
Eligibility
The individual must be either:
- a Ukrainian national
- an immediate family member
And also:
- was a resident in Ukraine before 1 January 2022
Register your interest
Visit the government Homes for Ukraine page to register your interest as an individual or as a business.
Find out more
Homes for Ukraine scheme: frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
North Norfolk District Council is committed to supporting people fleeing Ukraine. This section provides important information about taking someone into your home under the sponsorship scheme and how it may affect your:
- Housing Benefit
- Council Tax Support
- Council Tax
Do I need to tell the Benefits Service if I accommodate a refugee from Ukraine?
You will need to tell the Benefits Service that you have become a sponsor by filling in our online change in your circumstances form.
What is the thank you payment and how is it paid?
If you accommodate a Ukrainian refugee, you can receive a tax-free thank you payment of £350 per month for up to 12 months. For households in North Norfolk, this will be paid in arrears by Norfolk County Council.
Will the £350 thank you payment affect my benefits?
The government has confirmed that the thank you payment will not affect any benefits and entitlements you are receiving. The payment will not be considered when calculating Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support, and it will not reduce the amount you receive.
You will need to tell the Benefits Service that you have become a sponsor by filling in our online change in your circumstances form.
I receive a reduction to my benefits due to bedroom tax. Will my benefits increase if I accommodate a refugee from Ukraine?
If your Housing Benefit is reduced because you have more bedrooms in your house than you need, this will not change if you accommodate a Ukrainian refugee. We will continue to calculate your payments based on the number of bedrooms for your existing household. The person or family you support won't be considered part of your current household.
Can I charge the Ukrainian refugee a rent for staying in my house?
You must not charge rent. The sponsorship scheme states that accommodation will be provided rent-free.
Can I claim Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support if I am a refugee under the scheme and have formed my own household?
Yes, you have the right to access public funds. If you have a low income, you can claim for Universal Credit and Council Tax Support. You can also receive a 50% Council Tax discount.
Will my single person Council Tax discount be affected if I become a sponsor?
No, your 25% single person Council Tax discount will continue if you accommodate a Ukrainian refugee.
Will my 50% Council Tax discount be affected if I become a sponsor?
If you receive a 50% Council Tax discount because members of your family are disregarded, this will not be affected if you accommodate a Ukrainian refugee.
Will I continue to be charged Council Tax for my empty or second property if I offer it as accommodation for the scheme?
No, if a Ukrainian refugee lives in the property they will be responsible for the Council Tax and can claim Council Tax Support if they have a low income.
I receive a 100% Council Tax discount because my property received an occupied exemption. Will my exemption be affected if I become a sponsor in my own home?
No, your 100% exemption will not be affected if you become a sponsor and accommodate a Ukrainian refugee in your own home.