Contents

What happens when I sign up to be a host?

Safeguarding checks

The Council is required to carry out a check with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) on every person over 16 who will be living in accommodation offered to a Ukrainian guest.

There are two types of DBS check (Basic and Enhanced) and which one is required depends on whether you will be hosting children or vulnerable adults.

You or someone living with you may have undertaken a check previously. If you or they have a current DBS check and are registered for the update service, please provide the reference number(s) by emailing them to us. If anyone in the household does not have an appropriate current check and/or has not subscribed to the Update Service, they will need to complete a new DBS Check.

Every adult in the household will receive an email which contains access details for our online system to enable them to complete their DBS application online and submit it electronically. If you don’t have access to complete this DBS check online we can provide paper forms but this will make the process much slower.

Before completing the DBS Application Form you are required to have read the Standard and Enhanced check Privacy Policy. Please ensure that all the required fields are completed, in particular, a full and complete address history to cover the last 5 years. Once you have completed your part of the application online, you will all need to produce the relevant documents to us to verify your identity before we can submit the application for the check to be carried out.

Everyone who has completed the application should call 020 3045 4061 to arrange an appointment to complete the necessary process. We can meet everyone in your household at the same time or separately, whatever is more convenient.

The DBS Identity Document Checklist that will be provided details the original documents which will need to be provided in-person to complete the verification process. Each person being checked will need to bring these to the Civic Offices.

Checks that your accommodation is suitable

All accommodation will be different and while there are no set expectations, your accommodation needs to be free from serious health and safety hazards and suitable for the guests you intend to accommodate.

We also need to know the names, dates of birth and sex of all occupants of any age (including anyone who is living there for part of the time e.g. where children spend time with each parent or carer or students who may be away at college and return for holidays). This is so we can check that the proposed arrangements for sharing rooms meet government guidance.

Complete the People living in host accommodation form (PDF)

You will be contacted by a Council Officer so that accommodation checks can be carried out. Council Officers will always be happy to identify themselves and show their identity pass when they visit. They will only ask questions and carry out an inspection of your property as is necessary to meet the Government’s requirements.

When your guests arrive

We need you to confirm as soon as your guests have arrived at your accommodation.

Please email HomesforUkrainians@bexley.gov.uk providing your name and address, the date your guests arrived and their names. This information is needed because sometimes the details are different from what is provided to us by Government.

Initial payment for your guests

Each of your guests is entitled to an initial payment of £200 that will be provided by the Council on a prepaid card with a PIN number.

Your guests can collect this payment in person at the Civic Offices, 2 Watling Street, Bexleyheath, DA6 7AT during office hours (no appointment is needed). They will need to present their passport and the passport of any children. This payment is only available to guests under the Homes for Ukraine Scheme.

“Thank you" payment for Hosts

You have the option to receive a monthly payment paid in arrears, for as long as you are hosting your guests and provided that the accommodation provided is of a suitable standard. There can only be one payment per residential address. The payment will be paid providing all checks have been completed and will be tax-free and not affect any benefit entitlement.

With effect from 1 March 2023 payments to hosts in Bexley will be as follows:

  • all hosts will receive a Thank You payment of £500 from the date your guests first arrive with you (subject to completion of all the checks that the Council is required to complete with you)
  • hosts who continue to host a guest (either the original guest you were matched with or a guest whom the Council has rematched to you) for longer than 6 months will receive a Thank You payment of £600 per month
  • hosts who continue to host a guest (either the original guest you were matched with or a guest whom the Council has rematched to you) for longer than 12 months will receive a Thank you payment of £700 per month
  • hosts who continue to host a guest (either the original guest you were matched with or a guest whom the Council has rematched to you) for longer than 18 months will receive a Thank you Payment of £900 per month

If you wish to receive this payment, you will need to provide your bank information.

Apply to receive the "Thank you" payment (PDF)

You should then submit a claim at the end of each month that your guests are residents of your property. We will process the claim and pay you by the third week of the following month.

Complete the "Thank You" payment monthly claim form (PDF)

Government guidance

Living arrangements 4 to 6 months after moving to the UK: