Council Tax support for Ukrainian guests

Milton Keynes City Council is committed to supporting people arriving locally through the Government’s Homes for Ukraine scheme. New national regulations help protect Council Tax discounts for sponsors and ensure fair charges for Ukrainian guests living independently.

Hosting a Ukrainian guest in your home

If you live alone and receive a Single Person Discount (SPD), you will not lose this discount when you host a Ukrainian guest under the Homes for Ukraine scheme.
You must, however, tell us that someone has moved in, even though your discount will continue.

Letting an empty property to Ukrainian guests

If you rent out an empty property to Ukrainian refugees under the scheme:

• Your Council Tax charge will be reduced by 50%.
• You’ll need to provide:
  • The names of the refugees
  • The date they moved in
  • Proof they have permission to stay in the UK under the scheme

Council Tax bills must be issued in the name of the residents, so the Ukrainian occupants will be legally liable for the 50% bill. Sponsors can choose to pay on their behalf if they wish.

Ukrainian guests living independently

Ukrainian nationals may receive a 50% Council Tax discount if all the following apply:

• You are a Ukrainian national
• You are in the UK under the Homes for Ukraine sponsorship scheme
• You are living in your own accommodation (and not in your sponsor’s home)

Income and benefits

If you arrived through the Government’s official sponsorship scheme, your income and funding will already be considered.
If you are staying with friends or family, you should contact Universal Credit via the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to find out what financial help you can get.

Ukraine Permission Extension (UPE)

From 18 February 2025, the Home Office introduced the Ukraine Permission Extension (UPE) scheme for people previously granted permission to stay under:

• Homes for Ukraine
• Ukraine Family Scheme
• Ukraine Extension Scheme

Most UPE visa holders do not qualify for the Council Tax discount unless BOTH apply:

1. You are living in sponsor‑provided accommodation (you do not pay rent), and
2. Your sponsor is still receiving “thank you” payments

If you move out of sponsor accommodation, you will no longer qualify for the discount, even if you previously held a Homes for Ukraine visa.

You will no longer qualify for this discount if the visa ends at any point. If you believe you still meet the criteria after a discount is removed, please contact us and we will check this.

How to apply

To apply for a discount you will need to contact us and provide the following information:

• The property address
• Full names of all adults living there (18+)
• Your move‑in date
• Tenancy start date (if applicable)
• Confirmation of whether you are being hosted or living independently under the scheme
• Any Home Office documents showing your permission to enter or stay in the UK under Homes for Ukraine