Payments to Ukrainian family hosts protected by council despite government cuts

COUNCIL leaders have stepped in after the government announced it will cut payments for people hosting Ukrainian families in East Sussex.

In September, the government said ‘thank you’ payments for hosts will reduce from £350 to £100 from January 2027 (previously, the payments were set at £500 per month).  There will also be less funding available for local authorities to support the programme.

To help protect hosts and Ukrainian guests from the impact of the changes, East Sussex County Council’s lead member for adult social care and health has agreed to fund the shortfall and maintain payments at £350 per month until the end of March.

Cllr Mark Estcourt said: "The government's decision to reduce Homes for Ukraine thank you payments to £100 a month, with only three months' notice and immediately after Christmas, will be deeply concerning for many hosts and guests who have opened their homes and supported Ukrainian families over the last four years.

"Many households have made long-term commitments based on the support available through the scheme, and a reduction of this scale risks creating uncertainty for both hosts and the Ukrainian families who rely on their generosity.

"While the government has chosen to reduce this funding, East Sussex County Council is doing everything it can to support those affected. By maintaining payments at £350 a month until the end of March, we hope this will help reduce some of that pressure, while allowing guests more time to secure suitable independent accommodation and make longer-term plans."

The lead member said that those welcoming new arrivals will also be guaranteed thank you payments of £350 per month for their first six months of hosting.

The existing eligibility rules relating to Ukraine Permission Extension visa holders will continue to apply.

East Sussex County Council’s Homes for Ukraine Contact Centre continues to provide support to hosts and guests and more information about this can be found here.  Contact can be made by email: Ukraine@eastsussex.gov.uk or by phone: 01273 337010.

ENDS

Rebecca Durrant

Thursday, 5 November 2026