Council Tax reductions for Ukrainian nationals

If you are a Ukrainian national with a Homes for Ukraine visa you can apply for a Council Tax reduction.

Sponsors of Ukrainian guests will not lose their current Council Tax discount or exemption if they invite Ukrainian guests to stay with them under the scheme. 

Homes for Ukraine Scheme

The UK government have published a comprehensive guide to the Homes for Ukraine Scheme and life in the UK. We recommend you take time to read this.

Reductions for Ukrainian nationals with a HFU visa

If your sponsor provides separate accommodation for you, for example in another property the sponsor owns but does not live in, then you will be responsible for the Council Tax yourself.

If all the residents have HFU visas then you will receive a 50% discount. You will be responsible for paying half the Council Tax on the property, but you may be able to claim an additional benefit called 'Council Tax support' to help you pay for this.

Ukrainian guests finding their own property

If a Ukrainian national has an HFU visa and the sponsorship arrangement ends, they can look for their own property to rent.

They will be responsible for the Council Tax themselves, but if all the residents have HFU visas then they will receive a 50% discount and they may also be able to claim Council Tax support.

A Ukrainian national may also be able to claim Universal Credit for support with their day to day living expenses and help with the rent.

Apply for support with Council Tax

To apply for support with Council Tax the sponsor must provide:

  • The names of the Ukrainian guests
  • The date the guests moved in
  • Evidence that the guests have permission to enter or stay in the UK under the HFU scheme
  • The address of the property the guests occupy

The Council Tax support only applies to Ukrainian nationals who have received a visa under the Homes for Ukraine Scheme. It does not apply to other schemes such as the Ukraine Family Scheme or the Ukraine Extension Scheme. 

If the Ukrainian national has moved to independent accommodation, they must provide evidence that they have permission to enter or stay in the UK under the HFU scheme.

Contact the Council Tax team to enquire about the available support.

Up to Supporting Ukrainian nationals

Updated: 21/12/2023