Homes for Ukraine privacy notice

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The government has asked all local authorities to run the local process for the Homes for Ukraine Scheme. We process personal data to deliver the sponsorship scheme and the common objective of providing homes to those fleeing the war in Ukraine.

The government website describes the Scheme in more detail Homes for Ukraine scheme: frequently asked questions - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

The council will undertake checks on sponsors including DBS or enhanced DBS checks on adults living in the property, and checks on the sponsor’s property.

The council will share personal data with the Home Office and the Department for Levelling Up, Communities and Housing (DLUCH). We will share data with other agencies where relevant.

The government privacy notice describes what personal data they will process and share with the council Homes for Ukraine visa sponsorship scheme: privacy notice - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

The council is responsible for the checks for sponsors, and will support guests and sponsors in the rare situation where a placement may break down.

Guests and sponsors will be directed to where guests can receive support or other public services. The council’s usual processes for safeguarding, and access to benefits, education and housing, will apply and these are separate to the Homes for Ukraine Scheme. More information about how we process personal data for those activities is available in the council’s privacy notices.

Personal information collected

  • Name
  • Address & contact details
  • DOB
  • Financial information - if requesting the optional ‘thank you’ payment
  • Property information
  • Housing Information  
  • Family/Relationship Information
  • Referral/Assessment Information
  • Criminal/Prosecution information, employment information as part of sponsor checks and DBS
  • Visa status

Where relevant to a sponsorship placement or breakdown, we may process other personal data:

  • Equalities Information, such as ethnicity or religion
  • Health/Medical Information e.g. where a guest has specific medical needs such as a wheelchair ramp

Who we share the information with

The majority of data sharing will be with the Home Office and DLUCH, but other data sharing will occur where relevant to a placement or where there are safeguarding or similar concerns.

  • Home Office
  • Department for Levelling Up, Communities and Housing (DLUCH)
  • Police
  • UK Border Agency
  • DWP
  • Legal representatives 
  • Council services – adult and child social care
  • HMRC
  • Other local authorities
  • Voluntary Agencies /Third Sector
  • Housing providers

Legislation that applies

  • Localism Act 2011 – general competence power
  • Government expectations for Homes for Ukraine Scheme - Homes for Ukraine: guidance for councils - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
  • Immigration & Asylum Act 1999 – allows the council to share data with the Home Office for immigration purposes

How long we keep your information

The government expects retention of personal data to be within 2 years of the closure of the scheme unless DLUHC and the Home Office identifies that its continued retention is unnecessary before that point.

Where existing processes such as safeguarding are used, those existing retention periods will apply.