The Government payment to Homes for Ukraine hosts falls from £350 to £100 a month in January. Buckinghamshire Council will top it up from its existing grant.

Households in High Wycombe, Marlow and the villages who are hosting Ukrainian guests will keep getting extra money from Buckinghamshire Council after the Government cuts its monthly “thank you” payment from £350 to £100 in January 2027. The council announced on 10 November that it will use Homes for Ukraine grant money it has already been given by the Government to top up what sponsors receive.

The council has not said how much the top-up will be, how long it will last, or whether hosts need to do anything to receive it.

Bar chart: the Government thank you payment to Homes for Ukraine sponsors is £350 a month now and falls to £100 a month from January 2027, before any Buckinghamshire Council top-up.
The Government payment to sponsors, before the council's top-up. Chart by Wycombe Today
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What is changing

From January 2027 the Government’s monthly payment to sponsors on the Homes for Ukraine scheme drops by £250, to £100. That is a cut of more than two thirds for every household still hosting.

Buckinghamshire Council says it will cover part of the gap from the scheme’s own grant, money the Government allocated to the council for Homes for Ukraine and which it already holds. It is not new council spending. The council says the aim is to “support existing hosting arrangements across the county and provide reassurance to both sponsors and guests”.

What the council said

Cllr Steve Bowles, Buckinghamshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, said:

“Buckinghamshire residents have shown extraordinary kindness and generosity in supporting people displaced by the war in Ukraine.

“This funding recognises the contribution our local sponsors continue to make and will help provide stability for both sponsors and Ukrainian guests at a time of change. By using funding already provided through the Homes for Ukraine scheme, we’re able to continue supporting sponsors and guests across Buckinghamshire.”

He added that many of those who came through the scheme “have built new lives here, becoming part of our communities, workplaces and neighbourhoods. We want them to know that support remains available and that we remain committed to helping those who have been forced to flee their homes.”

Helping Hand for Ukraine logo: a heart made of drawings of houses, food and yellow handprints in blue and yellow
The Helping Hand for Ukraine logo the council uses for its support. Image: Buckinghamshire Council

The council says the decision is meant to keep hosting arrangements going, and to “promote stability, independence and wellbeing” for guests while recognising what sponsors give.

It forms part of the council’s wider support for people who arrived through the scheme and sits alongside its relationship with the Kyiv region, the council said.

What it means for you

  • If you host a Ukrainian guest in the Wycombe area: the Government payment falls to £100 a month from January 2027. The council says it will add to that, but has not yet published the amount. Keep an eye on the council’s announcement and on letters or emails from the council’s Homes for Ukraine team.
  • If you came to Buckinghamshire on the scheme: the council says it will keep offering advice and support and will work with sponsors and partner organisations so people can get help if they need it. Its guidance for new refugees covers eVisas, bank accounts, benefits, GPs, schools, English classes, jobs, housing, Council Tax and transport.

We will update this story when the council confirms the size of the top-up.