Host payments, driving licenses and free swimming
With a couple of dates fast approaching, here's a special bulletin for Ukrainian guests and their hosts.
To translate this bulletin into Ukrainian, please click the orange icon with 'speak' on it.
Host payments to stay at £500 per month
On 26 November, the Government announced changes to the Homes for Ukrainescheme and the Ukraine Permission Extension (UPE) visa thank you payments. The update included reducing the thank you payments to a flat rate of £350 per month, effective from 1 April 2025.
Hampshire County Council has confirmed that payments to East Hampshire residents eligible for hosting Ukrainian nationals under these Ukraine visa schemes will continue to receive £500 per month for 2025/26 to reflect the ongoing appreciation for the safe haven Hampshire hosts are providing.
From 1 April 2026, payments will be in line with the Government scheme which is currently a rate of £350 per month. The Government scheme also details that after a guest’s initial 18-month Ukraine Permission Extension period, thank you payments will discontinue.
Funding for host payments comes from the grant paid by Government to upper tier local authorities to administer the Homes for Ukraine and the Ukraine Permission Extension (UPE) scheme locally.
Ukraine Driving Licence Exchange
The government is currently consulting on a proposal to extend the Ukraine Driving Licence Exchange by another 18 months.
If you wish to respond, the deadline is 19 January.
Free swim sessions for Ukrainian children at Everyone Active pools
Everyone Active is running swim sessions for Ukrainian children free of charge at Alton Sports Centre, Taro Leisure Centre and Whitehill & Bordon Leisure Centre in January and February.
All children must be signed up before the session. This is open for ages 4-12 years old and ages 8 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
Dates and times:
- Taro Leisure Centre - Saturday 25 January from 12-1 and 1-2pm
- Whitehill & Bordon Centre - Saturday 1 February from 12-1 and 1-2pm
- Alton Sports Centre - Saturday 23 February from 12-1 and 1-2pm
