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Written question asked by Martin Wrigley (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 20 October 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 26 October 2026 (named day). It was answered by Florence Eshalomi (Labour) on Monday, 26 October 2026 on behalf of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Homes for Ukraine Scheme

Question

What assessment she has made with Cabinet colleagues of the potential impact of reducing the financial value of Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme Thank-You payments on the number of visas granted under that Scheme.

Answer

The Homes for Ukraine scheme remains open and uncapped. The Government considered the available evidence on sponsorship sustainability, local authority impacts and affordability when deciding the future funding arrangements.

The scheme has evolved from an emergency response into an established programme. The announced changes help ensure the scheme remains sustainable. Thank you payments will continue as a gesture of appreciation for sponsors opening their homes. They are not rent or a long-term funding arrangement.

From 1 January 2027, thank you payments will reduce from £350 to £100 per household each month. The impact on the numbers of visas granted will depend on future applications, the availability of eligible sponsors and individual decisions. It is therefore not possible to provide a reliable estimate of the number of visas that may be granted following the change.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
901688
Session
2026-27
Unstarred
Yes
Subjects
Finance Refugees Visas Ukraine Homes for Ukraine scheme