Homes for Ukraine: lessons learned

Information and best practice to support councils in their efforts to ensure accommodation for Ukrainians arriving in Britain is of a suitable standard and that guests are safe.


The newly launched Homes for Ukraine scheme will allow Ukrainians (and their immediate family members) with no family ties to the UK to be sponsored by individuals or organisations who can offer them a home such as a spare room or unoccupied residential self-contained unit. Sponsor guidance  and council guidance along with updated FAQs can be found on the Government website.

Councils will be required to carry out housing and safeguarding checks to ensure accommodation is of a suitable standard and that guests arriving in the UK are safe.

To support councils in this role, the LGA will be sharing examples of good practice and approaches taken by councils which could be of interest to others across the country. We are continuing to build on a range of resources to help councils as they navigate their response to the Ukraine crisis, while showcasing some of the important work being carried out by the sector.

Good practice examples/resources


Examples of effective partnership working between councils and their voluntary and community sector

We know many councils already work closely with their local voluntary and community sector (the “VCSE”) and many of the existing strategic and operational partnerships between councils and their local VCSE were strengthened during the pandemic

The VCSE are playing an active role in the ‘matching’ process between sponsors and Ukrainians via the homes for Ukraine scheme. This sector are also one of the critical local and regional partners in developing support to both sponsors and to Ukrainians. More information on the broader role of councils can be found on the Homes for Ukraine council guidance.

Below are some live examples of different ways councils and their local voluntary and community sector are working with one another in response to this crisis. Please note that these live examples could be updated when partnerships develop further.