We continue to stand united with Ukraine and the rest of the world to condemn the invasion by Russia.

Homes for Ukraine scheme

The scheme allows UK individuals to register their interest in supporting Ukrainians fleeing the war.

Anyone interested in registering as a sponsor for the scheme is encouraged to read the details before recording their offer of support.

  Register your interest for the Homes for Ukraine scheme

Guidance can be found on the GOV.UK Homes for Ukraine: sponsor guidance page.​

Information for Torbay residents sponsoring Ukrainians

Please be assured Torbay Council officers are working as quickly as possible to process DBS checks for sponsors and applicable household members.  We hope you will find this brief summary of the process helpful:

• Stage 1 – Sponsor and Guest details received by the council via Government portal.
• Stage 2 – Initial checks carried out by council officers over the phone to verify sponsor details required for DBS are correct and to obtain details of anyone else in the household aged 16 and over. You will be asked if you wish to upload your documents and have them verified digitally or whether you wish to have your documents verified physically by a council officer.
• Stage 3 – A DBS online account is created by a council officer for each sponsor and their household members aged 16 and over requiring a DBS.  An email notification is sent to inform the account has been created.
• Stage 4 – Sponsors and household members over 16 follow the link in the DBS email to complete their online DBS form.
• Stage 5 – Once the form is complete, if you have chosen to have your documents verified physically a council officer will make contact to arrange an appointment at the Town Hall to complete the required physical checks of DBS documentation. Otherwise your documents will be verified digitally.
• Stage 6 – DBS checks are processed and return. 
• For the majority of sponsors, DBS accounts have now been created. If you haven’t completed your online form, please check your emails, including junk folders. 

Important: Please do not present at the Town Hall with DBS documentation until you have been contacted by an officer and you have an appointment. 

• Sponsor guidance
• How to support Ukrainian guests in your home

Help for Ukrainian people arriving in Torbay

• Welcome guide
• Factsheet
• Torbay Holiday Activities and Food programme
• Essential information for Ukrainian guests
• Important information about housing

Ukraine Permission Extension scheme

Ukrainians who are in the UK on a Ukraine humanitarian visa (Homes for Ukraine, Ukraine Family Scheme) can apply for an extension to their visa under the Ukraine Permission Extension (UPE) scheme. Applicants must be in the UK to be eligible to apply, recently the government have announced the application window has been extended from 28 days prior to visa expiry to 90 days. Applicants can apply after their current visa has expired; however, they will lose all rights and benefits if their current visa expires before applying for an extension. Further information can be found in the links below:

Applying to the Ukraine Permission Extension scheme - GOV.UK

Guidance for sponsors and hosts

Rent a Room scheme

The Rent a Room scheme allows people to rent out spare accommodation in their home and receive up to £7,500 tax-free rental income per year.

This scheme might be suitable for those who have hosted a Ukrainian guest before and want to continue with the arrangement.

Learn more about the Rent a Room scheme.

GOV.UK has lots of information on UK visa support for Ukrainian nationals. The information is updated regularly with the latest advice and guidance.