Support for Homes for Ukraine

Following the Government announcement of the Homes for Ukraine scheme, we were moved when we had a surge in calls from customers asking if they could welcome refugees into their homes. We acted quickly by putting together some guidance on how you could offer a room. The main points are summarised here, but for more information, any restrictions and frequently asked questions, see www.ravenht.org.uk/ukraine

  • For most leaseholders and shared owners, you don’t need permission, but please let us know before you register for the scheme.
  • For tenants, you need our permission to take in a lodger or offer a room through the scheme. Most tenancy agreements allow a lodger, but there are some restrictions.
  • It’s important that your home won’t become overcrowded and you can offer the room for a minimum of six months.
  • Whilst we can support you by giving permission, you remain our tenant and we can only deal with you in relation to your home. You will be responsible for your lodger/sponsored household.
  • You cannot charge them rent but the Government is offering a £350 per month thank you payment.
  • The £350 should not affect most benefits. However you need to let DWP and/or your local authority know you are taking part in the scheme. They will be able to advise if there is any impact on your benefits.

To keep us updated or to request permission please contact raven@ravenht.org.uk or call us on 0300 123 3399. If you need support with children’s items or clothes, the local baby bank Stripey Stork may be able to help: https://stripeystork.org.uk/ukrainian-families-appeal.

Off to the right start -

Settling In Service making a difference

Moving can be extremely stressful, we want new customers to have a great start, so we launched a new Settling in Service (SIS) last year to help people who need extra support when moving into their new home.

This is Barry’s* story. Barry was referred to SIS for support due to severe mental health issues.

SIS provides people with a single point of contact, which was extremely beneficial to Barry because of his fear of unfamiliar people and those unaware of his diagnosis. Ellie, his SIS Co-ordinator, helped Barry with:

  • Ending his former tenancy and putting a manageable payment plan in place, making an application to clear his council tax arrears.
  • Liaising with Universal Credit and his income officer to ensure rent was being received, and any shortfalls were covered by direct debit.
  • Setting up his utility accounts, with direct debits coming out the same day as Universal Credit is paid, making it far easier for him to manage his money.

*Name changed for the purpose of this article

  • Applying for Water Rates Support and the Warm Home Discount, reducing his bills by over £400 each year.
  • Registering for a Universal Credit telephone account, helpful because he struggles to use the Internet and understand written communications. Council tax support was also put in place and his PIP was successfully renewed.
  • Obtaining furniture and furnishings. Due to Barry’s health needs, it was especially important that his home was welcoming and comfortable. Some essential furniture items were donated - a bed, washing machine and kitchen through the Surrey Crisis Fund and £476 from the local Mayor’s fund for carpets.

Barry continues to receive support through SIS, which has been a lifeline for him, and is building his confidence to manage his tenancy and bills going forward.

*Name changed for the purpose of this article