Question

To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, whether any properties owned by the Church of England are being used under the Homes for Ukraine scheme.

The Church of England does not keep a central database of those sponsoring Ukrainian refugees, but guidance for parishes and clergy on the processes involved is available from the National Church Institutions and published here: https://www.churchofengland.org/sites/default/files/2022-04/Ukraine%20toolkit%20draft%208.pdf

Anecdotal evidence from dioceses suggests that expressions of interest number in the hundreds, including those in clergy accommodation, and that matches and arrivals have been steadily increasing. The Church Commissioners are aware of four bishops who have successfully sponsored refugees, with several others still waiting either to be matched or for their application to be completed. The Church of England Pensions Board and others have also issued guidance and are aware of residents taking up the opportunity to host Ukrainians in those properties