Super Sponsor Scheme and Homes for Ukraine: guidance for hosts

Ending matched relationships

It is expected that matches will last a minimum of six months, however there may be times where one or both parties wish to end the relationship early. For example, where the displaced person has organised alternative accommodation, or there is an unexpected or unavoidable change of circumstances for either party.

In all circumstances, the host should notify their local authority contact of any change of circumstance. At this point, the host may wish to indicate whether they would like to be put back on the list for matching with another individual guest or family.

Changes in circumstance should be reported immediately. The 'thank you' payment is only payable where you are actively hosting. When guests leave, you will no longer be eligible to claim these payments. From 1 October 2024 if you host a guest with whom you have, or form, a close family relationship, you will be ineligible to receive thank you payments.

The relationship may also end where you are a tenant and the host (assuming you have asked for approval from your landlord) - but the landlord decides to give you notice meaning that you cannot provide housing for the minimum six month period. The local authority should be told at the earliest opportunity for alternative arrangements to be made to accommodate the guests, such as being rematched to a new host or placed in social housing where it is available.

It is possible that differences - for example parenting styles or lifestyles - become apparent, which could place a strain on living arrangements. It is therefore important that people arriving from Ukraine and their host families are told of support and advice to manage any problems, with the aim of avoiding a breakdown in your relationship.

Where difficulties arise within a matched relationship, such as but not limited to the examples referred to above,  the host and/or displaced person should contact  the relevant local authority to seek support and information on available options.

Where relationships break down, or risks are found to a host or displaced person that cannot be dealt with, and as a result the guests can no longer reside with their host, the host must inform the relevant local authority immediately to make necessary arrangements.

Guests are encouraged to also make contact directly with the relevant local authority to ensure that they are put back into the matching process and provided with support to secure suitable alternative accommodation.

Managing temporary absences

Guests may need to be temporarily absent from their sponsor accommodation for various reasons.

Before your guests’ departure, you should discuss arrangements and the likely length of absence. You might also want to discuss how they leave their room or accommodation, such as leaving belongings in a way that allows you to still use the room.

In the event that your guests are absent for more than four consecutive weeks (whether or not they told you that was their intention), it is your responsibility as their host to tell your local authority. This will pause the thank you payment. Failure to tell your local authority could mean you may have to pay back any money which has been obtained inappropriately or dishonestly. 

Thank you payments will be reinstated using the usual monthly payment cycle once your guest has returned and you have told the local authority. 

You do not need to tell your local authority if your guests are absent for fewer than four weeks. However, any concerns should be discussed with your guests and raised with your local authority.