Homes for Ukraine scheme

About the scheme

We fully support the Homes for Ukraine scheme and where possible will support customers who wish to offer up an unoccupied spare bedroom to those fleeing Ukraine.

You can read Cheltenham Borough Council’s Homes for Ukraine Privacy Policy here.

Cheltenham – A Town of Sanctuary

Cheltenham adopted the title of Town of Sanctuary in 2019. This means that we have been recognised as a town that offers a place of safety to people fleeing violence. We work in a partnership, which includes Gloucestershire County Council and the six district councils, to support international resettlement across the county. Through this partnership, we are working together to see how Gloucestershire can respond to support the individuals fleeing violence from Ukraine as further details become available from central government about the UK response to the Ukrainian refugee crisis click here.

Support for refugees – ‘Homes for Ukraine’ scheme

The government has launched its “Homes for Ukraine” scheme being led by The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities. Under the scheme people in the UK will be able to nominate an individual or family to stay with them rent-free, or in another property, for at least six months.

Charities, businesses and community groups will also be able to apply with households offered £350 a month as a ‘thank you’. Checks will be made on all hosts by the government and Ukrainian applicants will also undergo some security checks. Ukrainians welcomed into this scheme will be eligible to work, access state benefits and public services for three years.

To find out more about the scheme and register your interest visit: How to sponsor Ukrainian refugees and offer them a home in the UK

Wherever possible we will support CBH customers who may wish to offer up an unoccupied spare bedroom to those fleeing Ukraine at this time. There are a few things to consider, so please visit the dedicated CBH customer page for more information.

The Homes for Ukraine sponsor guidance outlines important information for sponsors including responsibilities of sponsors and how sponsors may support their guests.

There is also an FAQ from the government on the Homes for Ukraine scheme which covers many questions you may have.

Welcome: a guide for Ukrainians arriving in the UK

The government has created a guide for Ukrainians arriving in the UK. It also includes specific information for those arriving on the Homes for Ukraine scheme.

Click here to read the guide