On 18 March 2022 the government opened the Homes for Ukraine Scheme for visa applications from Ukrainians who had named people in the UK willing to sponsor them.
Eligible Ukrainian nationals who were granted a visa meant they could live, work and claim benefits in the UK for three years.
The government passed regulations to protect Council Tax payers whose bills might have increased as a result of helping out under the scheme.
Disregarded Ukrainian persons
We disregard relevant Ukrainian persons – GOV.UK when:
- calculating the number of adults living in a property, which protects any of your current discounts
- assessing whether properties are exempt from Council Tax under exemption classes B, D, E, F, H, I, J, K, L, Q and T
Changes were also made to the definitions of exemption classes N, S and U to include anyone who was in occupation under this scheme.
Apply for a discount
We will need:
- the address of the property
- the date you moved in
- the date the tenancy started or the date of purchase
- the full name of all adults at the property
- proof you are a Ukrainian national
- proof you are in the UK under the Homes for Ukraine sponsorship scheme
Second homes and annexes
If a second home, or an annexe to a main property, is occupied by relevant Ukrainian persons, they will be disregarded when calculating the bill, leaving 50% to pay.
Council Tax legislation states such bills should be in the name of the occupier(s) of the property, but those providing the accommodation may wish to make the payment on their behalf.
Renting private accommodation
If you move out of sponsored accommodation into a privately rented property or a home of your own, you will become liable for paying Council Tax.
If you, and everyone else in your household, received a visa through the Homes for Ukraine Scheme, you will need to pay 50% of the overall Council Tax bill.
A 50% discount will apply if you match all of the following criteria:
- you are a Ukrainian national – GOV.UK
- you are in the UK under the Homes for Ukraine sponsorship scheme – GOV.UK
- you are living in your own accommodation (not in your sponsors home)
After you've applied
After you’ve applied, we will check that you are eligible under the Homes for Ukraine Scheme. We will then issue you with an updated bill.
To cancel your discount, contact us.