Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, further to the written statement of 15 September 2026, HCWS351, on Homes for Ukraine funding changes, and with reference to the departmental letter to Council Leaders of 15 September 2026, on the Homes for Ukraine scheme funding, what is the estimate total change in annual funding as a consequence of the reductions in (a) Thank you payments to sponsors and (b) Tariff payments to local authorities.

The Homes for Ukraine scheme has evolved from an emergency response into an established programme. The funding changes are intended to ensure that the scheme remains sustainable and affordable, so that it can continue supporting those fleeing the war in Ukraine.

Thank you payments recognise the generosity of sponsors and hosts and contribute towards day-to-day hosting costs. 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 local authority tariff will reduce from £5,900 to £3,300 per arrival but will remain un-ringfenced and can support rematching and homelessness prevention.

The Government considered the available evidence on homelessness risks when deciding the future funding arrangements for Homes for Ukraine. Based on the evidence, we do not expect the changes to lead to a significant increase in homelessness. We will continue to work closely with local authorities through ongoing engagement and monitoring.

The impact of these funding changes on benefit expenditure will depend on sponsor/host behaviour in individual circumstances. Ukrainian guests with valid Homes for Ukraine visa have recourse to public funds. Where a guest moves into a formal rental or lodging arrangement, any entitlement to benefits will be assessed under the standard eligibility rules which apply to the general public in the UK.